Nikola Jokic’s Summer Victory at the Racetrack
This summer has been a victorious time for Nikola Jokic, particularly at the racetrack in Subotica, Serbia. The Denver Nuggets superstar recently experienced an emotional high after his horse triumphed in a race, leading to tears of joy as the victory sank in.
Heartwarming Celebration
Spectators captured a heartwarming moment as Jokic, overwhelmed with emotion, leaped over a barrier to reach the winner and express his excitement directly to his equine partner and the jockey. In a celebratory frenzy, he lifted the driver high in the air and jubilantly sprayed champagne over everyone involved, including the horse, before indulging in some bubbly himself.
Parallels to NBA Finals
The scene drew immediate parallels to Jokic’s emotional response during the 2023 NBA Finals, when he famously remarked in a post-game interview,
“The job is done. We can go home now.”
This mantra resonated again when he was asked about attending the championship parade, to which he quipped,
“No. I need to go home,”
citing his commitment to his horse racing schedule.
Deep Roots in Horsemanship
Jokic’s affinity for horses has deep roots, stemming from his childhood at the age of 12, when his family introduced him to the excitement of race day in their hometown. Notably, he accepted the MVP award in 2022 while returning to his horse stable.
Future Aspirations
Over the offseason, he and fellow Nuggets player Aaron Gordon were spotted enjoying a horse race together, further illustrating his passion for this sport. Tim Tetrick, a leading American jockey, has noted Jokic’s dedication to horsemanship and speculated that the three-time MVP may consider a future career as a horse trainer post-retirement.
Basketball Performance
Last season, Jokic’s performance on the basketball court was stellar, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, marking him as one of the premier players in the league.
