Nikola Jokic’s affection for horses has once again been confirmed, surpassing even his excitement for NBA victories. On Sunday, the Denver Nuggets star became visibly emotional when his horse, Demon Dell’Est, won the Duzijanac 2025 race held in Subotica, Serbia. In contrast to his typically reserved demeanor after basketball wins, Jokic joyfully celebrated by pouring champagne on the rider, the horse, and himself.

This profound moment spotlighted Jokic’s enduring passion for horses, reminding fans that his connection to equestrian life often outshines his achievements on the court.

Contrasting Emotions in NBA vs. Horse Racing Victories

Jokic’s reaction to his horse’s victory stood in stark contrast to his subdued response following the 2023 NBA championship. When the Nuggets clinched their first title, Jokic’s celebrated stoically, even expressing impatience about the extended stay in Denver for the parade. His quietly subdued words,

“The job is done, we can go home now”

reflected a mindset focused more on completion than celebration.

Fans also remember his low-key vibe in the Nuggets locker room immediately after winning the title, an atmosphere far removed from the exuberance displayed at the racetrack.

Jokic’s Deep Emotional Connection to Horses

Jokic’s utter joy for his horse’s success were consistent with his recent remarks during a visit to China, where he openly shared how horses influence his happiness and sadness more than basketball ever could. He explained,

“All my biggest happiness was when one of my horses won a race,”

and added,

“Same thing — all my biggest losses is when my horses don’t win. That’s my biggest happiness and sadness. It’s not basketball. Basketball is something that I’m just good at. But horses is something that I feel the most happiness and sadness.”

This candid insight reveals the depth of Jokic’s emotional bond with his horses, clearly positioning them as his most cherished passion.

How Basketball Led Jokic to His Equestrian Passion

Growing up near Sombor, Serbia, Jokic was surrounded by horses through his father’s harness racing club. Yet, Jokic did not come from a family involved in horse racing and only found his way to the sport by chance. He recounted,

“I didn’t have anybody in the family who was doing horses,”

then explained,

“And then one day, I just go to the horse track, and I started loving it and loving it. I started playing basketball, and my best friend, his dad, was doing horses, and so some kind of connection led me to the horses, and then 17 years from that moment, I have 40, 45 horses right now.”

This story highlights how his twin passions—basketball and horses—are intertwined through friendships and happenstance, ultimately shaping his unique identity.

The Lasting Remark of First Love

Despite Nikola Jokic’s status as a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, it is evident that his early and continuous love for horses reigns as his true priority. His emotional outpouring at the horse race, far more animated than any basketball celebration, reinforces the idea that for Jokic, the significance of horses extends well beyond sport or fame.

His story resonates deeply as a testament to embracing what brings genuine happiness, no matter where success lies.