Local horseman Bernie Miller was all smiles at Ascot on Saturday when his unsung sprinter Jokers Grin scored a narrow upset in a thrilling 2025 The Quokka result in Perth for slot holders Ladbrokes.

After the opening two editions of the lucrative $5 million slot race went the way of Sydney raider Over, finally The Quokka (1200m) trophy stayed in WA with Hopeland trained Maschino four-year-old Jokers Grin scoring a fairytale victory for Miller and jockey Patrick Carbery.

The dual defending champion and short favourite Over ($2.05F) had the lead on the turn for home with Bjorn Baker‘s well-ed galloper chasing a historic three-peat in front setting a hot pace.

A wall of horses came for the tiering favourite however and all eyes quickly turned to Jokers Grin ($21) who came flying late to run right over the top of them and beat home Matthew Smith‘s also fast-finishing, last start TJ Smith third placegetter Headwall ($6.50) in a narrow thriller.

In third to complete the surprise The Quokka trifecta was another underrated local home, Simon Miller‘s four-year-old Divine Prophet mare Generosity ($51), who enjoyed another placing after a third in the Group 3 Roma Cup last time out.

“Absolutely brilliant… how can you put this into words,” winning trainer Miller said post-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.”

Jokers Grin jumped from out in barrier 13 and came via a lead-up second in the Roma Cup to further frank the local form.

“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,” Miller continued.

“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.”

It was an atoning win for Carbery who was narrowly denied victory in the opening edition on Amelia’s Jewel back in 2023.

“Whatever happened today, we know that he’s still on the way up, he’s still maturing,” he 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.”