Experts reveal whether or not the Irish actually do have extra luck than Brits at Punchestown Races
The luck of the Irish has been a hotly contested debate for years – with the Emerald Isle traditionally providing plenty of winning horses over the years from Cheltenham to Punchestown
Are the Irish really more lucky?(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Star)
Ireland and horse racing go hand in hand but as the old saying goes, the Emerald Isle seems to have more luck than old Blighty. That’s just as true for Champion Jumps Jockey Sean Bowen, who has had far more luck in the home of Irish jumps racing at Punchestown than he has back at Cheltenham Festival. Despite having ridden winners for sporting legends such as Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex Ferguson, the £3million winning jockey is still searching for a few major UK feature races. As for his partnership with these owners, Sean said he hasn’t yet received Fergie’s infamous hair dryer treatment – luckily, some might say. “They’ve both always been great to deal with and are both massive supporters of our sport so it’s brilliant to be associated with them”.
But asked whether he prefers Irish craic to the British, Sean admits: “I love riding in both the UK and Ireland, they are both equally as great to me”. The champ doesn’t drink, so added that the Guinness quality has never been an issue. As for luck, Sean has bagged plenty of Irish winners. He scored a winner at the Dublin Racing Festival on I Started a Joke and won the Irish Grand National upon Haiti Couleurs. But a Cheltenham Gold Cup and an Aintree Grand National are yet to come. One psychic says there could be a reason for this – the Irish are simply more lucky. Inbaal Honigman for Casino.org said: “The most obvious link between Ireland, luck, and horses is the horseshoe as a symbol of luck. “One of the most well-known talismans of protection and luck, the horseshoe is traditionally placed over a doorway to ward off evil and catch good fortune, and it can be seen in Irish homes and businesses. “Ireland’s longstanding association with horse races and equine culture cannot be separated from Ireland’s association with good luck charms. A large proportion of winning horses hail from the Emerald Isle, and they achieve success both in local and international races”.
But the luck of the Irish – a phrase originating during the American Gold Rush – should not be taken as gospel, according to mathematician professor Tim Chartier. “From a mathematical perspective, there’s no evidence that the odds favor one nationality over another, whether in horse racing or anywhere else. “Probability doesn’t carry a passport. What does happen is that humans are very good at spotting patterns in randomness. If we already believe in the ‘luck of the Irish,’ we’re more likely to notice and remember those streaks when they involve Irish winners, while overlooking all the ordinary or unlucky outcomes. “Horse racing is no different. While knowledge, experience, and access to good information can certainly improve betting decisions, nationality itself doesn’t tilt the odds”.
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