LOUISVILLE, Ky. - While the Yankees were in New York Thursday to play the Chicago White Sox, former Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly was at Churchill Downs, briefly hanging out around Barn 42, home of the George Steinbrenner-owned Kentucky Derby starter Diligence.

Mattingly, who announced his retirement after the 1995 season - temporary or permanent retirement a question he still doesn't answer - was with his wife, Kim, who has been active in the training of saddle-bred horses.

"It's a whole different ballgame," he said of thoroughbred racing, intending no pun. "Mr. Steinbrenner got us tickets, and he's taken care of Kim (with Derby tickets) for five or six years. This is my first time."

For obvious reasons.

And the Mattinglys' choice for Saturday's Derby? Ah ... gee ... ah ...

"I think we'll be rooting for Diligence," Don said, laughing.

Mattingly and trainer Nick Zito could perhaps trade stories about working for Boss Steinbrenner, but from all indications, the Yankees' owner has not mistaken Nick Zito for, say, Billy Martin.

"George has been a delight," said Zito, who trained Derby winners Strike the Gold in 1991 and Go for Gin in '94. "Everybody keeps asking me (about Steinbrenner), but you don't have to worry about that."

By MICHAEL POINTER and DON WADE, Courier staff writers

Copyright © 1996 The Evansville Courier,