OPENING DAY A SOCIAL EVENT.(LIFE & LEISURE)

Byline: KATE GURNETT

Opening Day offered a Who's Who of racing as Derby winners past and present gathered in the paddock and at socialite Marylou Whitney's kickoff luncheon at The Carousel Restaurant.

Former Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown flew up for the day with William T. Young, whose Grindstone won the Derby in 1996. John Y, as we call him down South, was once married to former Miss America Phyllis George. We danced at Whitney's Derby Eve bash in May. The tall man can boogie. Sort of a James Brown wiggle with a hint of Hazard Hollow stomp.

What about your governor? he asked. Nope, no Pataki here.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, in blue suit and …