That year --- 1996 we had been covering hail storms on Derby eve until about two a.m. We watched Derby revelers on Central Avenue scurry to find shelter from the huge hail stones that suddenly started hitting them. It was a Derby Eve to remember. It was also a Derby Eve that left me exhausted the next morning when I had to be up bright and early for our Derby coverage.
I looked in the mirror and then at the black hat I had selected for that day. The hat matched the circles under my eyes a little too well. So, I reached into the stash of Derby hats from years gone by and pulled out the brightest, shinest hat I had. All day at the track I made jokes about wearing artificial sunshine on my head. The look is not the best ever but its the year I replay on video tape the most. Here's why. It was also the year Peter Jennings came to the Kentucky Derby. He did not just attend the event. Jennings the journalist preferred to be out among the people and report on what was really going on. He came to the WHAS broadcast location on the first turn. You can see it all from the first turn --- the people in the grandstand, the people in the infield and the beautiful twin spires atop it all. The first turn is by far the most beautiful spot at the downs any Derby Day and when that huge field of horses comes 'round the bend you feel the ground shake as their tremendous strength pounds the dirt.
That day at the first turn we interviewed Peter Jennings. It's a day I hold dear especially now that he has passed away. You can see some it for yourself. We've provided a link to a story I did the day Peter Jennings died. Every Kentucky Derby leaves some lasting impression. I hope you enjoy the one I will always remember most. Incidentally, I did pick the right horse that year --- Grindstone.