On July 27, 2025, NBA star Nikola Jokic experienced a powerful and emotional moment at the Dužijanca horse race. His horse, Demon Dell’Est, won first place, and the usually calm Denver Nuggets center couldn’t hold back his joy.
Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, cheered, cried, and jumped the fence to celebrate with his horse and jockey, Vladimir Pribic. He hugged Pribic, lifted him in the air, and opened a bottle of champagne. Jokic sprayed the champagne over the team and even poured some on himself.
Fans were surprised to see this level of emotion from Jokic. In 2023, when he won the NBA title, he simply said, “The job is done. We can go home now.” But this victory was different.
Jokic has always had a strong love for horses. He grew up in Sombor, Serbia, where his father ran a harness racing club. Jokic spent much of his youth around horses and even skipped basketball practice to visit stables. Today, his family owns a stable, and Jokic still trains and races horses like Demon Dell’Est.
For Jokic, this race was more than just a win—it was personal. Many fans online said he showed more emotion here than in any of his NBA victories. Some even joked that basketball is his side job, and horse racing is his true passion.
Jokic remains one of the top players in the NBA, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists this season. But moments like this show where his heart truly lies—back home in Serbia, with his horses.
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