When we talk about basketball, you usually think of slam dunks and three-pointers, not horse racing. However, the thrill and prestige of horse racing has attracted many NBA stars. These athletes seek the same adrenaline rush and competitive edge at the racetrack. From high-stakes betting to lucrative investments, horse racing offers NBA players an exciting way to channel their competitive spirit and secure their financial future.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic, also known as “The Joker,” has dominated the NBA for several years. Interestingly, his passion is not limited to the basketball court; he is also a huge fan of horse racing.
Jokic grew up in Serbia, where horse racing is not particularly popular, and his affinity for the sport is unique. His love for horses began early, when he divided his time between playing basketball and staying at horse stables.
This passion runs in his family and he often spent his holidays on the farm with horses. Today, Jokic owns several horses and even takes part in harness races in his hometown.
Michael Jordan
After retiring from professional basketball, Jordan turned his attention to entrepreneurship and invested in various ventures to grow his wealth. One of these investments was his foray into horse racing.
Jordan co-owns several famous horses, with Knicks Go being one of his most successful. Knicks Go was named Horse of the Year in 2021, reflecting Jordan’s talent for picking winners off the field as well.
Despite these successes, Jordan’s personal passion for horse racing appears to be limited; he rarely attends events and keeps his involvement relatively low-key.
Tony Parker
Tony Parker developed a love for horse racing after retiring from his career after nearly two decades in the NBA. Unlike Jokic, Parker’s passion for the sport developed later in life. He transitioned from professional basketball to racehorse ownership, founding Infinity Nine Horses.
Parker’s involvement goes beyond mere ownership; he is actively involved in the racing community and competes in major events around the world. His commitment is evident as he even plans to document his journey in a film emphasizing his true love for the sport rather than financial gain.
Parker’s stable has already made an impression and demonstrated his competitive spirit, and he continues to be successful off the field. His story inspires many and proves that passions can evolve and lead to new, fulfilling endeavors.
Rex Chapman
Rex Chapman, a former NBA player best known for his time with the Phoenix Suns, found a new calling in horse racing after retiring from basketball.
Growing up in Kentucky, home of the prestigious Kentucky Derby, Chapman was familiar with the sport. His transition from basketball to horse racing seemed almost natural. Over the years, he invested in numerous racehorses, a passion that eventually led to a horse racing track at Santa Anita being named after him.
Chapman’s deep connection to horse racing is rooted in both his upbringing and his drive to compete, showing that the adrenaline and strategic thinking required in basketball translates seamlessly to the racetrack.
His legacy in horse racing continues to grow, much like his influence in the NBA.
The conclusion
As shown, there is a unique connection between horse racing and NBA players. Beyond the thrill of competition, these athletes find solace in a completely different world that allows them to pursue their passions and diversify their investments.
The rest of the season is really promising for horse racing, with many events already scheduled. The Breeders’ Cup is one of the main events to look out for. Although it’s only in November, the online community is already buzzing with anticipation for this year’s race. If you want to join in on the fun and potentially get involved, you can bet on FanDuel, make your predictions, and win big.
