While basketball may be what pays the bills (and fills the trophy case) for Jokić, it's clear that horse racing holds a special place in his heart. After the Nuggets won the NBA championship in 2023, Jokić's father, Branislav, told the Associated Press that he had to persuade Nikola to pursue basketball over horse racing.

Nikola Jokic was brought to tears after his horse won a major race in Serbia; fans question whether he loves playing basketball as much as he loves horse racing.

Jokic was in attendance at the Dužijanac 2025, an annual horseracing event in Hippodrome in Subotica, Serbia. His horse, Demon Dell'Est, took home the top prize, prompting the outpour of emotion from the seven-time NBA All-Star.