Pato O’Ward Milks Cow, Eyes Indy 500 Victory

The Indianapolis 500, often called *The Greatest Spectacle in Racing*, is loaded with tradition. One of the quirkiest? Drivers milking a cow before race day.

This year, Pato O’Ward—always a fan favorite—finally got to try it out. The Indiana Dairy Association and his Arrow McLaren crew made sure it happened, just days before the big event.

O’Ward’s moment with the cow became a memorable highlight. Maybe it’s a good omen as he keeps chasing that elusive first Indy 500 win.

A Tradition Like No Other

The whole cow-milking thing isn’t just for laughs. Some folks swear it brings luck, which, honestly, you probably need at the Speedway.

O’Ward missed out on this ritual during his rookie year—COVID-19 ruined that for a lot of people. This time, though, the Indiana Dairy Association and his team brought a cow named Rihanna right to the track just for him.

O’Ward’s First Milking Experience

On May 23, as the sun crept up, O’Ward met Rihanna the cow. He called the experience *udderly amazing*—I mean, who wouldn’t?

He grinned as he described how surprisingly warm and, well, kind of fabulous it felt. Even though it was his first try, he managed to get the job done, and there’s video proof floating around.

For O’Ward, it was more than just a morning distraction. After a few tough years at Indy, maybe this little ritual could shift his luck.

The High-Stakes Tradition

During a press conference, Robert Shwartzman—this year’s pole-sitter and a rookie—talked up the tradition’s importance. He joked that skipping the cow-milking could doom your race.

He pointed out that Alexander Rossi, who won as a rookie in 2016, took part in the ritual. Shwartzman got his own shot with a calm cow named Indy and seemed pretty happy about it.

Securing the Good Luck

After hearing Shwartzman’s story, O’Ward decided he had to find a cow too. The Indiana Dairy Association didn’t waste any time—they made it happen.

It’s just a small example of how the racing community looks out for its own. There’s a lot of that behind the scenes.

The 109th Edition of the Indy 500

This year’s race was wild—fourteen different leaders, constant drama. O’Ward led laps 9 and 10, but ended up finishing third.

That’s his fourth top-six finish in the last five races, which is nothing to sneeze at. Even without a win, the cow-milking tradition gave his Indy 500 story a new twist.

A Look Back at O’Ward’s Indy 500 Journey

O’Ward’s time at Indianapolis has been a wild ride. He’s finished second twice, and he’s never shied away from talking about the heartbreaks.

Last year, he lost to Josef Newgarden in the final corner. You get the sense that every year at Indy means just a little more to him.

Conclusion

The whole tradition of milking a cow before the Indianapolis 500 might sound odd at first. Yet, for drivers like Pato O’Ward, it’s honestly a special part of the racing world.

The Indiana Dairy Association and O’Ward’s team made sure he finally got to take part in this ritual. He didn’t win the race, but the experience definitely gave him a story he’ll remember—maybe even a bit of good luck for next time.

If you’re curious about this quirky tradition or want more on O’Ward’s moment, check out the full story at Agrinews Pubs.