The NBA’s Unlikely Horse Racing Obsession: Inside Nikola Jokić’s Stable Life

You wouldn’t peg a 6’11”, 284-pound basketball superstar as the type to wake up at 4:30 in the morning just to muck out stalls and watch trotters run laps. But Nikola Jokić isn’t your average NBA legend. While most of his colleagues spend their off-seasons on yachts or building sneaker empires, the Denver Nuggets center is back home in Serbia—surrounded by horses, hay, and a level of joy that even championship parades can’t quite match. Here’s the thing about Jokić: his day job might be dropping dimes and dominating the paint, but his heart has always belonged to the track. Let’s dig into how a kid from Sombor became one of the most passionate horse owners in pro sports—and why he’d trade MVP trophies for race wins in a heartbeat.

From the Hippodrome to the Hardwood

Jokić’s love affair with equines started around age twelve, when his family took him to a race day in his hometown. Something clicked that afternoon. Maybe it was the thundering hooves, the raw athleticism of the animals, or the way everything in Sombor seemed to pause when the gates flew open. Whatever it was, young Nikola was hooked. He fell hard for what he’d later call “the best sport in the world.” Reddit and NBA forums have had a field day with this over the years. When news broke that he’d once seriously considered becoming a jockey, fans couldn’t help but picture a 7-foot, 300-pound frame in silks. One viral comment joked about wanting to see him in a group photo at the Kentucky Derby—the visual alone is worth a chuckle. But that’s the beauty of Jokić: he doesn’t care how it looks. He spent six years working at his local track as a kid, and that foundation never left him. His father, Branislav Jokić, runs a harness racing club on the outskirts of Sombor—and back in the day, Dad had to do some serious convincing. Nikola apparently told him straight up: “Dad, I want to become a horseman.” Branislav’s response? Become a basketball player first, and you’ll become a great horseman later. Smart move, pops. The kid grew into a frame that wasn’t exactly built for the saddle—we’re talking 14 or 15 when he tried his hand as an amateur jockey, finishing fourth in his only race against pros with better horses. There was even a brief stretch where he quit basketball entirely to chase the dream. At that point, the writing was on the wall: hoops it would be. But the horses were never far from his mind. Nowadays he owns roughly nine trotters back in Serbia, with plans to keep expanding the operation.

Meet the Stable: Dream Catcher and Company

Jokić owns a racing operation called Dream Catcher, based in Sombor, and the roster has grown impressive over the years. He’s got more than half a dozen horses scattered across Serbia, France, and Italy—and 2023 was reportedly his best season yet, with more purchases and more trips to the winner’s circle. A few names to know: Demon Dell’Est has become something of a celebrity in the Jokić stable after his breakout performance. Brenno Laumar and Amy Del Duomo are two more runners that have carried his colors to victory. The Dream Catcher stable isn’t just a hobby—it’s a full-blown passion project that Jokić plans to expand long after he hangs up his basketball sneakers. When Dream Catcher’s horses hit the track at Sombor’s hippodrome, the whole town tunes in. Locals describe it like this: everything stops. Shops empty, conversations pause, and the community gathers to watch one of their own compete. His father still helps run race-day operations, and the family ties run deep. It’s not just ownership—it’s stewardship of a tradition that predates his NBA fame. In Serbia, Jokić isn’t just the NBA guy—he’s the stable boy who made good, and they love him for it.

The Win That Broke the Internet

July 2025 delivered a moment that went viral for all the right reasons. At the annual Dužijanac harness racing event in Subotica, Serbia, Demon Dell’Est went to the front and wouldn’t be caught. As the horse pulled away down the stretch, cameras caught something rare: Nikola Jokić, typically stone-faced win or lose, utterly overcome. He put his head in his hands, tears streaming, then hopped the fence to celebrate on the track. Champagne showers in the winner’s circle. Pure, unfiltered joy. Fans couldn’t get over it. This was the same guy who barely cracked a smile after winning the 2023 NBA Finals. Horses, it turns out, hit different. His godfather and conditioning coach, Nebojša Vagić, has said that for Jokić, horse racing isn’t just a pastime—it’s where he “heals himself.” It’s his sanctuary away from the glare of the NBA spotlight.

MVP or Horses? No Contest

During one memorable exchange, DeMarcus Cousins put the question to him: Would you rather win MVP every year, or have all your horses win their races? Jokić didn’t hesitate. “All the horses. I already have three, so I’m fine… all the horses, brother.” He’s said it before: basketball is his job. Horse racing is his passion. And he’d reportedly trade careers with legendary harness driver Tim Tetrick in a heartbeat if the paychecks lined up. That said, Jokić has also been clear that winning isn’t the whole point. “They don’t need to be winning races,” he told reporters. “That’s my hobby. I just wish that they are healthy and that they run good.” It’s a refreshing outlook in a world obsessed with trophies—for him, the connection to the animals and the sport matters more than the results. After the 2023 NBA Finals victory, rumors swirled that he was eyeing another horse purchase to mark the occasion. Would anyone be surprised? Probably not. The man knows what he loves, and he’s not shy about investing in it.

When Jokić Hits Philly, the Horses Come First

Jokić’s friendship with Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick is one of the cooler subplots in this story. He tracked down Tetrick—a driver with over 13,000 wins and roughly $270 million in career earnings—via text in 2021, looking for someone to help him navigate harness racing in the States. Tetrick was shocked. An NBA MVP wants to talk horses? They met when the Nuggets were in New York, hitting Gaitway Farms together. These days, whenever Denver plays in Philadelphia, Jokić makes a point to visit. We’re talking 4:30 a.m. wake-ups, arriving at Tetrick’s place in New Jersey by 6:30, then spending the whole day at farms and tracks. Forget game prep—the man is living his best life among trotters, and his teammates know it. The two swap stories about horses and occasionally argue about basketball, with Tetrick ribbing Jokić about his playing style. It’s a friendship built on mutual respect for the sport—and for animals that demand everything you’ve got. They’ve said he’s rarely as animated as when horses enter the conversation. Even at All-Star Weekend, he’s been spotted giving horse-buying advice. His take? “The most expensive one—that’s going to be the best one.” Classic Jokić.

Ribbons in the Locker Room

Here’s a detail that sums it all up: Jokić keeps ribbons from his horses’ victories in his NBA locker. While other players display sneaker deals and championship memorabilia, he’s got trophies from the track. It’s a small touch, but it says everything. His horses aren’t an afterthought—they travel with him, at least in spirit, through every road trip and playoff run.

What Makes a Superstar Choose the Stable?

There’s something grounding about Jokić’s relationship with horses. He’s talked about loving everything: how they run, how they rest, how they smell. It’s tactile, earthy, and far removed from the arenas and endorsement deals. His father promised him he could become a horseman after basketball—and Nikola is already there, building something that will outlast his playing days. For anyone who’s wondered what drives one of the best players on the planet, the answer might be simpler than we think. It’s not the rings or the MVPs. It’s the early mornings in Sombor, the champagne in the winner’s circle, and the quiet satisfaction of watching an animal you’ve raised cross the line first. Nikola Jokić has found something rare: a second life that feeds his soul. And honestly? That might be the most impressive assist of his career.