05/15/2026
Fox Den Farm and the Maryland racing community mourns the passing of the remarkable Standardbred stallion, Rusty’s For Real, who passed away Thursday following a sudden cardiac event. His loss leaves an undeniable void not only in the Maryland breeding industry, but in the hearts of the many horsemen, families, and fans who were fortunate enough to know and race his offspring.
Standing proudly at Fox Den Farm in Maryland for his stallion career with exception to his test breeding in 2011, Rusty’s For Real became one of the cornerstone sires of the Maryland Sire Stakes program and a name deeply respected throughout Mid-Atlantic harness racing.
Born at Winbak Farm in Maryland, the son of Real Artist out of the accomplished mare Cams Exotic, Rusty’s For Real carved out an impressive racing career of his own, earning $429,747 while taking a lifetime mark of p,3,1:50f. Among his greatest accomplishments was winning an elimination of the prestigious Max Hempt Memorial at three for trainer Robert (Bobby) Myers.
While his racing accomplishments were significant, his greatest impact came as a stallion. Rusty’s For Real developed a reputation for siring tough, gritty, and durable racehorses that excelled throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and beyond. From just 100 starters, his offspring earned more than $6.3 million collectively, a testament to both the consistency and quality of his bloodline.
Among his most accomplished progeny were:
• Totally Rusty — p,4,1:49.3m — lifetime earnings of $392,509; a multiple Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund champion and was his fastest and most decorated offspring.
• Stunners Wish — p,4,1:51.1f — lifetime earnings surpassing $369,000; a consistent Maryland Sire Stakes standout and durable aged competitor.
• Hillbilly Kisses — p,1:51.3f — lifetime earnings exceeding $318,000; a multiple Maryland and Virginia stakes winner who became a fan favorite.
• Fancy Like That — p,4,1:53.2f — lifetime earnings over $253,000 and a dominant Maryland Sire Stakes filly of her generation.
• Brooksforreal — p,3,1:52.2f — lifetime earnings amassing $240,000 already, highlighted by winning eleven consecutive races in the Maryland Sire Stakes program and continuing the Rusty legacy for a new generation.
• Val’s Girl — p,2,1:53.1f — lifetime earnings of $208,620; undefeated through much of her freshman season and one of the premier Maryland Sire Stakes fillies in recent memory.
Additional standouts including Berzerker, Don’t Say Maybe, Owzitgoin , Kelseys For Real, Officer Wholihan, Playin For Real, Rusty’s Houdini, Sea Ya Mystery, Tough Old Hickory, Tony Babe, Trump That Rusty and many others proudly carried his name and spirit onto racetracks across the region.
More than the records, purses, and championships, Rusty’s For Real will be remembered for what he represented to Maryland harness racing — toughness, consistency, heart, and homegrown excellence. His offspring gave countless owners, trainers, drivers, and families unforgettable nights in the winner’s circle and helped elevate the Maryland Sire Stakes program for years to come.
Though the shedrow at Fox Den Farm will now feel a little quieter, the legacy of Rusty’s For Real will continue each time one of his sons or daughter’s steps onto the track carrying a piece of him forward.
He was truly “for real” in every sense of the phrase.
Rest easy, Rusty.
