In a fairy-tale finish to Western Australia’s richest race, Jokers Grin delivered a career-defining performance to win the Group 1 Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Trained by Bernie Miller and ridden by Patrick Carbery, Jokers Grin at $21 shot with , unleashed a blistering sprint down the outside to mow down his rivals late, capping a remarkable rise from provincial meetings to a $2,000,000 win.
It was a fitting result for the larrikin trainer and his best mate, with Carbery steering home the $2 million winner in a tight photo finish.
The four-year-old gelding settled at the rear of the field after a slightly tardy beginning, as Overpass set a slick tempo out front.
As the field fanned wide turning for home, Carbery kept his cool, slicing through traffic before launching Jokers Grin with a devastating turn of foot.
Headwall ($6) was brave in defeat, surging late but falling short by a neck, while local hope Generosity ($21) stuck on gamely for third.
Early leader Overpass faded to finish fifth, ending his perfect record at Ascot.
2025 Quokka Race Replay – Jokers Grin
An emotional Bernie Miller was nearly lost for words post-race.
“It’s just a dream come true,” he said.
“We knew he was peaking today. It’s been a lot of hard work by everyone around us. To see it all come together on a stage like this, it’s unbelievable.”
Carbery, who shares a special bond with the stable, was equally effusive.
“He’s still on the way up. What he gave me today was incredible — the owners, Bernie, the whole team deserve this.”
The victory was the seventh from ten career starts for Jokers Grin, who now boasts over $2.4 million in prizemoney. It also completed a remarkable journey for the son of Maschino, who was bred and raised by connections without lofty expectations.
After conquering The Quokka, connections hinted at even bigger targets, with a potential tilt at The Everest now firmly on the radar.
Jokers Grin has well and truly cemented his place among Australia’s elite sprinters — and in the hearts of WA racing fans.
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