INDIANAPOLIS — Pato O’Ward realized this week the importance of participating in the rookie ritual of cow milking at the Indianapolis 500 if they hope to savor victory milk in the winner’s circle during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Despite missing this unique opportunity when he debuted at the Indy 500 during the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Ward finally got his chance on Friday
Thanks to a collaborative effort by his Arrow McLaren team and the Indiana Dairy Association, O’Ward found himself with the opportunity to milk a cow. The Silverstone Farms in Greenfield, Indiana, provided a cow named Rihanna and brought her to the track bright and early for O’Ward.
Bright-eyed and cheerful, O’Ward, known for his vibrant personality and strong following, was thrilled by the chance.
“Starting the day with some morning milking was an incredible experience,” he remarked with a bright smile. “It was warm to the touch. You need to warm her first. She was wonderful. Did you at least catch the video? You have to see it. Achieved it on my first go.”
Indeed, with his initial try, a stream of milk began to flow.
Perhaps, as O’Ward aims for his first Indy 500 triumph, this might be a positive sign. He has twice finished second in the legendary race and often reflects on how the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a source of heartache.
This latest cow milking might shift his fortunes, suggesting it could be the change he’s needed to claim that elusive victory.
This effort to bring a cow to the speedway, just ahead of Sunday’s race, unfolded after O’Ward joined a press conference with Robert Shwartzman on Thursday. As a newcomer to the Indy 500, Shwartzman had earlier participated in the traditional cow milking. He explained, “A lady told me that those who skip the cow milking tradition never win the Indy 500 and have bad luck.”
He mentioned how Alexander Rossi milking a cow led to his victory as a rookie in 2016.
“You have to milk the cow,” Shwartzman recounted from his moment with a “very calm, cute” cow named Indy.
O’Ward boldly responded, “I’m going to find a cow and milk it tonight.”
The Indiana Dairy Association quickly replied on social media, “We know some farmers who know some cows who can make that happen.”
And indeed, it only took a day to make it happen.