Pato O’Ward Milks Cow in the Hopes of Winning His First Indy 500

SPEEDWAY, Ind.–Indycar driver Pato O’Ward was told this week that you have a better chance of winning the Indy 500 if you have milked a cow. That’s precisely what O’Ward did on Friday.

During Indy 500 media day on Thursday, the pole sitter Robert Shwartzman said no one has ever won the race who didn’t milk a cow. O’Ward made it a mission of his to milk a cow after hearing that. O’Ward finished 2nd in the Indy 500 in both 2022 and 2024. He’s hoping milking the cow will mean he can win the race this year.

“Waking up extra early tomorrow to do some milking:) pics and vids to follow,” said O’Ward on X just before 8 pm Thursday. O’Ward followed through on his promise on Friday. He worked with the Indiana Dairy Association to make that happen.

O’Ward’s team, Arrow McLaren, posted video of him milking the cow.

“How many tanks of milk come out of cows?”, asked O’Ward.

A member of the Dairy Association answered him.

“Each cow produces about 6 to 8 gallons of day per milk,” she said.

O’Ward’s eyes widened at that number.

“Oh my God,” he said after milking the cow.

If he wins the race, he’ll be drinking milk in the winner’s circle. A long-standing tradition of the Indianapolis 500 is for the winner to drink a bottle of milk immediately after the race.