Nikola Jokic brought his characteristic passion to a horse race in Subotica, Serbia, where he celebrated emotionally after his horse won. The Denver Nuggets star was visibly moved, tears streaming as he reacted on the sidelines before leaping over a gate to embrace both the horse and its driver. This celebration showcased a different side of Jokic beyond basketball, highlighting his deep connection to the sport of horse racing.
Highlights of the Celebration
Following the thrilling win, Jokic assisted in lifting the driver and enthusiastically sprayed champagne over the team and even the horse, before pouring it on himself. Fans and media quickly drew parallels between this jubilant display and Jokic’s reaction when winning the 2023 NBA Finals. At that time, during his on-court interview, Jokic simply said,
“The job is done. We can go home now.”
Later, during a news conference when asked about attending the upcoming championship parade, Jokic’s succinct reply was,
“No. I need to go home.”
He explained that since horse races occur on Sundays, the parade scheduled for Thursday would make attending difficult.
Jokic’s Lifelong Passion for Horses
Jokic’s affinity for horses began at age 12, inspired by his family’s visits to race days in his hometown. His love for the sport remains evident, notably shown when he received his 2022 MVP award in Serbia while riding back to his horse stable. His devotion to horses extends beyond hobby, embodying a meaningful part of his life.
During the 2023 offseason, Jokic and teammate Aaron Gordon attended a horse race in Serbia together. American jockey Tim Tetrick, who formed a bond with Jokic, remarked that horse racing is a genuine passion for the three-time NBA MVP and predicted that Jokic may pursue becoming a horse trainer after his NBA career ends.
Performance and Outlook
Coming off a stellar NBA season, Nikola Jokic averaged impressive stats of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His calm and focused demeanor on the court is matched by his sincere enthusiasm for horse racing during the offseason, revealing a reflective and hopeful side to the acclaimed athlete’s life outside basketball.