Jokers Grin faces yet another setback in Waller stable

The luck just isn’t coming for Jokers Grin, who has been ruled out of Saturday’s Group 2 Shorts after suffering another setback on Tuesday morning.

The gelding has endured his fair share of setbacks throughout his career, including a lingering hoof abscess that required treatment and removal during his time with Chris Waller’s stable.

He was also scratched from the Group 3 Gold Rush at Ascot in December 2025 just hours before the race after coming down with a sudden virus.

Jokers Grin has also developed a reputation for playing up when being loaded onto horse transport trucks, adding another challenge for his connections.

Speaking on SENTrack & RSN'S Giddy Up this morning, trainer Chris Waller revealed this latest setback came after Jokers Grin presented with a slight temperature.

“He had a setback this morning,” Waller said.

“He had a slight temperature. Usually you can turn it around in five to seven days, but we’re still pretty disappointed.

"That was the biggest disappointment of my day seeing that pop up on my computer screen, because he was deadset flying.

“I’ve only just sent a message through to the owners, so they’re probably waking up to it this morning. I won’t try and make a big deal out of it, but I’m just telling the truth.”

The gelding relocated from Western Australian trainer Bernie Miller to Waller’s Sydney stable after it's fifth place in the G1 Winterbottom and is yet to start an official race for the Waller.

For a horse that has had more than its fair share of bad luck, Jokers Grin will now have to overcome another hurdle before getting back to the track.