Odds of the Derby | Stats + Stories Episode 385

With the arrival of spring, anticipation grows for the start of horse racing in the United States. The pinnacle of success in the sport is achieved by a horse that will win each leg of the Triple Crown, which includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The excitement and anticipation of these three races are also associated with pre-race bookmaking and betting as well. But just how good are the bookmakers at setting the odds of victory? Do their favorites win, or will long shots emerge victorious? That's the topic on today's episode of Stats+Stories with guest Larry Kupper. Dr. Kupper is Emeritus Alumni Distinguished Professor of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research interests included the development and application of Statistical Methods for public health studies, particularly environmental, occupational, and women's health, and quantifying health risks from exposure to environmental and workplace hazards.