The Questions with Pat Day/Hall of Fame Jockey

Your favorite Triple Crown moment?

Winning the Kentucky Derby in 1992 with Lil E. Tee. It was my 10th attempt. The longer the wait, the sweeter the taste.

Your most embarrassing moment?

I've misjudged the finish line. A few years ago at Oaklawn [in Hot Springs, Ark.], I stood up at the 16th pole. I was in front, and everybody around me stood up too. We all galloped to the wire in that order.

If I weren't a jockey, I'd be ...

playing for the Lakers (laughs). The truth is, I don't have a clue. I've got a daughter [Irene, 18, the only child of Pat and Sheila Ann] who just graduated from high school, and I'm trying to tell her now: Find something you're passionate about, something you love to do, like I love racing.

Your favorite off-day activity?

Given that racing is my hobby, I don't have one. I've been negligent in developing outside interests.

Last Week

Day, 51, who had hip surgery on March 30, returned to riding on May 18 at Churchill Downs. He has since been in the top three 13 times in 21 races.

This Week

Day, who has 8,783 wins, fourth alltime, may seek a mount in the June 11 Belmont Stakes, a race he last won on Commendable in 2000.

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BRIAN BOHANNON/AP (DAY HEAD SHOT)

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HEINZ KLUETMEIER (DAY ON LIL E. TEE)