Bernie Miller’s rising star Jokers Grin has made history, becoming the first Western Australian-trained runner to win the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot, surging home under Patrick Carbery to edge out Headwall in a thrilling finish.
The son of Maschino was well back on the turn, but as early leaders Overpass and second-elect Front Page ($5.50) began to feel the pinch after setting a frantic tempo, it was the swoopers’ turn to strike.
Headwall, ridden by Zac Lloyd, loomed up powerfully and looked set for victory before peaking on his run late, allowing Jokers Grin and Carbery — who narrowly missed Quokka success aboard Amelia’s Jewel in 2022 — to drive over the top and win by a half head.
Starting at $23 with online betting sites and representing the Ladbrokes slot in their iconic colours, Jokers Grin has now won seven of his ten career starts, taking his earnings to a remarkable $2.4 million.
“Absolutely brilliant… how can you put this into words,” an emotional Miller said after the race.
“There’re so many people to thank, but how can you put the thrill of that (into words)… I’ll wake up tomorrow and I still won’t be able to talk and tell you about it.
A dream come true – a lot of belief by a lot of people that have backed me and helped me out throughout the years.
The last two weeks was just let’s get him over the last run (second) in the Roma Cup. When I put him in the paddock on the Sunday morning, he just looked absolutely beautiful.
He blossomed and ran around a couple of laps… when I spoke to Patty that night, I said, ‘mate, he’s going to prime on the day’.”
“His work, Patty said, was just off the charts, career best; That gave me a lot of positives to say what I’m doing is right.”
Carbery was over the moon with the victory, suggesting that Jokers Grin still has more improvement to come as he continues to mature.
He paid tribute to the connections for their patience and lauded his “best mate” Bernie Miller for an outstanding training effort.
“Whatever happened today, we know that he’s still on the way up, he’s still maturing,” Carbery said.
“I know a lot of people say that, but that’s why Bernie’s taken so much time with him.
As I’ve said before, credit to the owners for giving Bernie the chance to train him, for one, but two, for giving him time to work into himself.
He’s a big horse, and the progression he’s made this preparation, from a spell, then back to the trials and then the races… his work on Saturday was elite.
To win for Bernie and the owners – I don’t have to talk about Bernie, everyone knows what I think of him.
We’re best mates, and not just because we’ve had success together. We’re just best mates. A lot of people don’t get to be able to work with someone that is really close to them.
I’m just blessed that I’m lucky enough to one, ride for Bernie, but just to be his best mate.”
