“Down the outside is Jokers Grin. He’s charging, they hit it ... I think he’s got the winning hand.”
Legendary WA race caller Darren McAullay’s broadcast of the 2025 edition of the $5 million Quokka at Ascot is one that breeder-owner Mark Jones will never get sick of hearing.
“When he hit the line, everything just went to mayhem,” Mark reflected.
“Winning the Quokka was just unbelievable, really. It was life changing, just the feeling of the horse winning combined with the way he won was amazing.”
Joker's Grin resumes this Saturday in the Group 3 TABtouch Prince of Wales Stakes (1000m), with Patrick Carbery booked to ride after the gelding's stellar season which exceeded all expectations of connections.
The popular gelding is the $1.60 market elect with TABtouch, followed by the Gangemi-trained Repossession who was met with early support when markets were framed, firming from $4.40 into $3.10.
“I’ve been involved with horses for a long time and being involved with family and friends makes it so much more special,” Mark said when reflecting on his star gelding's last preparation.
“I love getting friends and family involved. It gets them to the races and it’s a chance for everyone to catch up and enjoy themselves socially as well.”
Jokers Grin’s win under the brilliant riding of jockey Patrick Carbery was made even more special considering Mark bred the Maschino sprinter out of broodmare Walking Beauty, who was actually gifted to him by Quokka-winning trainer, Bernie Miller.
“We’ve known Bernie for a long time and Pat Carbery is an exceptional jockey ... we love having him on if we can,” Mark said.
Best mates Patrick Carberry and Bernie Miller after the 2025 Quokka.
For Bernie, winning the Quokka was more than just a race, it was a culmination of hard work and a moment when he realised a dream with some of his best friends. It was one he celebrated by racing out onto the Ascot track to greet the winning horse and jockey in emotional scenes that will be long remembered by those who saw them.
“The whole day was a dream that came true personally for me,” Bernie said.
“Some while ago, I’d had the dream that Patty and I were going to win this race and that I’d met him out on the track after.
“It was like a closing door moment where we had fulfilled our dreams and that we were good enough to do it, not just be another book on the shelf. We’d proven ourselves.”
Jokers Grin had a season to remember, with seven wins and two seconds from his nine starts.
The four-year-old gelding’s campaign peaked in the final month, which saw him take out the $100,000 Rock Magic Stakes before having the Group 3 Roma Cup taken from him on protest after dead-heating with The Boss Lady. The campaign then hit a stirring crescendo with the victory in WA’s richest race, the Quokka.
Mark concedes that not every horse is going to win a Quokka, but the journey as an owner can be fulfilling wherever it plays out.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s at Ascot in a Quokka or York in a maiden, when your horse goes across the line first, the hairs on the back of your neck stand and it’s a bloody good feeling,” he said.
A special edge for Mark’s ride with Jokers Grin is the fact that his daughter Lisa Ludlow and her partner Brandon are also in the prized galloper’s ownership group.
“The atmosphere was fantastic – (the Neil Diamond classic) Sweet Caroline came on before the race and we all just had chills,” Lisa said.
“We were all amped up, but still very nervous. When he crossed the line, I pretty much had tears in my eyes and I was so happy for my parents.
“As soon as it happened, I hugged my family. It was such an amazing feeling, I was shaking – I get hyped up reliving it, actually.”
Jokers Grin – affectionately known as Luke - is adored by Lisa, whose lifelong love for horses began from her birth at Yarradale Stud Farm.
“Horses have been my whole life,” she said.
“My favourite thing about ownership is the animal. It’s just amazing being around them.”
Connections celebrate victory in the 2025 Quokka.
The story of Jokers Grin captivated the State and has earned the rising turf star the dual honour of Racing WA’s champion four-year-old as well as Horse of the Year awards.
It is a story of true success from a small stable, with amazing support from the people involved. And with the gelding now noticeably bigger and stronger after a well-earned break in the paddock, the owners are now waiting for a successful next chapter to be written.
Saturday's 10-race program can be watched live and free on Racing WA TV via 7plus, with the Group 3 TABtouch Prince of Wales Stakes (1000m) set to jump at 2.05pm.
Josh Miller