The $5 million Kia Quokka (1200m) is staying in Western Australia after Jokers Grin surged to a memorable victory at Ascot on Saturday.
In a career-defining moment, Bernie Miller celebrated just his 68th career winner, teaming up with his close friend Patrick Carbery to secure the feature in front of a massive Ascot crowd.
The four-year-old son of Maschino added to his outstanding record, notching his seventh win from only 10 career starts with his powerful late charge.
For Miller, the triumph was a dream realised.
“How can you put that into words?” Miller said post-race.
“Honestly, there’s so many people to thank, but how can you put the thrill of that? I’ll wake up tomorrow and still won’t be able to talk to you about it, but it’s just a dream come true.
We went back to Belmont last Saturday and Patty (Carbery) said his work was just off the charts, really. That then gave me a lot of positives about what I was doing was right. Kept on doing that and didn’t change anything.
Then here we are today. Now we’re at one of WA’s best sprinters at the moment.
I think it was about 150m (when I thought he could win). The thrill of just watching him go past me, that was just tremendous.”
After drawing barrier 13, Carbery settled Jokers Grin at the rear of the field before producing a breathtaking run in the straight. Picking up momentum around the turn, he latched onto the back of second-favourite Headwall and was the widest runner entering the straight.
Still several lengths off them at the 200m mark, Jokers Grin finished with a powerful surge to win by 0.17 lengths, stunning the crowd with his late heroics.
Carbery, who has now ridden 61 winners for Miller, believes there’s still more improvement to come from the talented sprinter.
“Whatever happened today, you 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 taking so much time with him.
You guys get a buzz out of watching, but what I can feel on this horse is amazing.”
Jokers Grin, representing Ladbrokes’ slot, led home Headwall ($6.50) and outsider Generosity ($51) to claim the huge prize.
Looking ahead, Miller confirmed that Jokers Grin will now head to the paddock before targeting the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) during The Pinnacles carnival at Ascot later this year.
