On a remarkable day in 2025, Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets star known for his NBA dominance, emotionally celebrated a dream realized far from the basketball court. In Subotica, Serbia, Jokic’s horse, Demon Dell’Est, captured the prestigious Dužijanac harness race, a victory that visibly moved the usually composed athlete to tears. This moment explained where Nikola Jokic’s horse racing passion truly lies, revealing a lifelong bond with the sport that has accompanied him alongside his towering basketball career.

From Basketball Legend to Horse Racing Enthusiast

Most NBA fans recognize Jokic as a three-time MVP and Finals champion, a player who redefined the center position with his unique skill set. Yet, beyond his on-court achievements, Jokic has nurtured a quietly intense love for horse racing since childhood. This passion is not a casual hobby but a serious pursuit: Jokic owns nearly 40 horses and manages Dream Catcher Racing, a racing team that demands as much of his attention and dedication as basketball.

Jokic’s involvement goes beyond mere ownership; he immerses himself in the racing world, often visiting stables during NBA road trips and staying deeply connected with trainers and drivers. His intense focus on the horses is grounded in years of personal history and family influence. Branislav Jokic, Nikola’s father, revealed that before Jokic became a basketball phenom, he dreamt of a life centered around horses.

“He would say, ‘Dad, I want to become a horseman,’”

Branislav Jokic recalled.

“And I used to tell him: ‘Son, become a basketball player first, and you’ll become a great horseman later.’”

Balancing Championship Glory and a Passionate Obsession

Jokic’s commitment to horse racing was apparent even at the height of his NBA success. After leading the Nuggets to their first NBA title in 2023, all celebrations aside, Jokic’s foremost concern was whether he could make it back to Serbia in time for his horse’s race the following weekend.

“I have my horse racing on Sunday,”

he told reporters after winning the Finals MVP.

“I don’t know how I’m going to arrive [in time] with the parade on Thursday. Friday maybe?”

This candid admission highlighted how deeply his passion runs, eclipsing traditional championship fanfare.

Throughout NBA seasons, while juggling rigorous schedules and media attention, Jokic maintains a quiet but persistent connection with horse racing. He was known to text Tim Tetrick, a Hall of Fame harness driver, even during critical moments in the 2023 NBA Finals. This unorthodox focus revealed a man whose heart beats equally for the court and the racetrack.

The Emotional Weight of a Dream Fulfilled

The 2025 Dužijanac harness race marked a defining emotional moment for Jokic. His horse, Demon Dell’Est, which means “Demon of the East,” driven by Carmine Piscuoglio, secured the win in front of a home crowd. Jokic’s reaction—storming onto the track with a champagne bottle and lifting Piscuoglio in jubilation—captured more than just celebration; it embodied years of dedication and personal meaning.

Reflecting on his journey, Jokic said,

“I said it a long time ago, that I had all my great victories, all my great defeats in this sport. All those people involved with me — they are my friends, my buddies at home. They all experience this as I do.”

This sincere statement stands in contrast to his famously pragmatic take on basketball wins. After clinching the NBA championship, he described the moment simply as,

“It’s good. The job is done. We can go home now,”

highlighting the difference in emotional investment between his two passions.

How Jokic’s Passion Shapes His Life and Legacy

While basketball remains his profession and public identity, horse racing clearly represents a deeper, more personal arena for Jokic’s ambitions. He integrates his love for horses seamlessly into his life, often visiting local stables at stops during the Nuggets’ travels and participating hands-on in training activities. Tim Tetrick remarked on Jokic’s grounded nature, saying,

“He’s just a down-to-earth kind of dude. You wouldn’t know he gets paid $40 million a year to play basketball.”

This genuine approach to his dual life offers a look into how Jokic balances the pressures of elite sports with a longstanding, heartfelt interest. His horse racing success also fulfills a promise made to himself and his family, particularly his father, who always believed Jokic’s dream of becoming a horseman would eventually come true.

Looking Ahead: What Lies Beyond the Hardwood

The future for Nikola Jokic is set to include both his continued basketball career and his expanding role as a horse racing team owner. The recent victory with Demon Dell’Est signals a new chapter where Jokic’s horse racing passion takes center stage alongside his NBA pursuits. With his eyes already on upcoming races, Jokic’s story reminds fans that athletes often cultivate powerful ambitions outside their primary sport, ambitions that resonate deeply on a personal level.

Nikola Jokic’s rare display of emotion over his horse’s triumph signifies more than a win; it marks the realization of a lifelong dream and a connection to his roots. As the Nuggets prepare for another NBA season, Jokic will again step onto the court, but fans should also expect moments when his mind—and perhaps his phone—will be with stable grounds and racing circuits far from Ball Arena. This story of blending immense athletic accomplishment with a cherished childhood passion offers a meaningful glimpse into the multifaceted nature of one of basketball’s greatest figures.