For Derby Viewers, Agony of the Wait

After watching ABC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby, I felt old--and I’m only 41. When I was “young,” ABC was the only network professional and capable enough to cover “the wide variety of sports.” Whether it was the Olympics or “Wide World of Sports,” I used to look forward to their telecasts.

What happened?

In the closest Derby finish in 37 years, while the viewers sat on the edge of their seats waiting for the results of the photo finish to be posted, ABC goes to a commercial. By the time they were back live, we were greeted with a graphic announcing the winner.

Why didn’t they stay live with shots of the anxiously waiting trainers, jockeys and owners? Al Michaels did an excellent job of building the suspense--which was wasted when the commercial was aired. Roone, where are you?

RICHARD A. BOWEN

Foothill Ranch