As is often the case during the holidays, shopping for gifts for loved ones can be difficult. This was no different for a family in harness racing as they struggled to cross off those last few names on the Christmas list, there was only one solution that came to mind — a horse.

Wilbur Eash, longtime owner and trainer in Indiana, and his wife Diana settled on a young two-year-old prospect to give their three sons, varying in ages from 30 to 45, for Christmas, each receiving a 25 percent share in the horse. While Eash’s sons have grown up in the industry, this would be their first ownership endeavour together.

As often is the case in the horse racing industry, not all went according to plan. The first horse Eash picked out for his sons was a young two-year-old who was turned out due to immaturity. Enter Boysrockthefarm.

“We felt bad that the original horse got turned out,” said Eash, “Boysrockthefarm was still in training at the time and was the only two-year-old left we were able to give them.”

Boysrockthefarm is a homebred gelded son of Tellitlikeitis out of the Jate Lobell mare, Justthegirls. Boysrockthefarm is the fourth foal of Justthegirls and a half-sister to The Girls Of Image, who earned nearly six figures and took a respectable mark of 1:51. Eash didn’t have much in the way of expectations for Boysrockthefarm and his small stature left Eash wondering if he would even make it to the racetrack.

“Like a lot of two-year-olds, you just never know,” Eash continued, “I wasn’t sure how good he would be or if he would even make it to the races...there was a thought that he might be too small.”

What he lacks in size Boysrockthefarm has proven to more than make up for in grit and ability. Establishing his lifetime mark of 1:53:3 at two at Hoosier Park, the colt recorded four wins in his first season of racing. At three, Boysrockthefarm has proven to be a factor this season against the best pacers Indiana has to offer in Sire Stakes competition. Boysrockthefarm finished third just a length and a quarter behind standout Little Rocket Man in the third leg of the Indiana Sire Stakes, and paced his mile in a career-best 1:50:2.

Additionally, Boysrockthefarm has earned a cheque in each of his stakes engagements this season recording a third and fifth-place finish in the first and second legs of Indiana Sire Stakes respectively. To date, Boysrockthefarm has amassed nearly $40,000 lifetime for his connections.

As for Wilbur’s sons, they stay loyal to their endeavour, lining the fence each time their prized pupil steps on track. They’ve always enjoyed spending a night at the races but this partnership adds a level of excitement.

“They’ll be here, even when he draws the outside posts, they’re always here and excited,” Eash said. “The boys all love racing and I love that this keeps them involved in the sport.”

Going forward, Boysrockthefarm will continue racing in Indiana Sire Stakes competition under the guidance of one of Hoosier Park’s leading trainers, Jaime Macomber. And while Boysrockthefarm will likely be sold in the fall, the Eash’s are enjoying the ride together as a family.

“I really hope he (Boysrockthefarm) does well for them,” Eash ended with, “No matter how it turns out, it’s been fun to watch and be a part of.”

Boysrockthefarm is scheduled to make his next start at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Friday, July 26 in a division of the Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings. While he has already proven to be the gift that keeps on giving, if all goes well he could be the gift that keeps on winning. While Boysrockthefarm may not have been a conventional Christmas present, for the Eash family, he has proven to be a sentimental and special gift.

(Hoosier)