"Hopefully, I've got the horse for life because he's got so much character and so much personality." Hines said. "A little over a year ago he kicked me on my hamstring just above my knee right before he ran. He sent me to the hospital but I can't be mad at him. He's an aggressive fighter-type but he's a really kind-hearted horse."He's named for the breeders' son," Hines related. "I claimed him as a 4-year-old three years ago this July up at Pleasanton. It was a last-minute deal and I flew up there and got lost in a taxicab ride. I made it there with about 18 minutes to post. I never rode so fast and ran so hard in my life and it was hot.
Despite once being hospitalized by the antics of Eric Da Bomb, trainer Nick (Sarge) Hines has a fondness for the California-bred gelding by Flying Victor. Eric Da Bomb was third in his most recent outing, beaten three lengths in an allowance optional claiming race on Jan. 24. Hines injured a hamstring and was sent to the hospital after Eric Da Bomb kicked him a little more than a year ago. But he says he can't hold it against the 7-year-old. Bred by Fran and Stan Hodge, Eric Da Bomb has a 6-6-4 record from 31 career starts with earnings of $202,443.
