James Herbertson’s upward spiral has hit new heights in 2024, but one major goal remains before the year is out.
And that’s etching his name alongside some of harness racing’s greats by winning the Victorian metropolitan drivers’ premiership.
Names like Ted Demmler, Vin Knight, Chris Alford, Kerryn Manning and Gavin Lang sit on the honour roll, and Herbertson appears in a striking position to join them with just two “metro” meetings to come before the campaign is out.
As it stands, 2011-12 champion Greg Sugars has 39 winners and sits one clear on top of the leaderboard from 2022 victor Mark Pitt. Herbertson is one further back in third but has a bulging book of drives on Saturday night at Melton Entertainment Park.
Ironically, Herbertson will partner four horses trained by Sugars’ wife Jess Tubbs while he remains overseas in New Zealand looking after stable star Better Eclipse.
Among those drives for Tubbs at headquarters is Vee Em Gee Macray (race two), Illawong Larajay (race seven), Shes Ruby Roo (race eight) and No Money No Honey (race nine), while Pitt has Captain Perfect in the third event and Looks Perfect in fourth on the card.
Following Saturday night’s nine-race meeting, the last chance for metropolitan winners comes at Cranbourne on December 28.
“In my opinion, it would be the highest accolade for any driver that you can achieve in Victoria,” Herbertson said of a metropolitan title.
“To look at the people that have previously won it and to be on the same list of highly-talented and respected drivers would be a real highlight of my career to date.
“The metro races are the hardest races to win in Victoria and (to be in contention for the title) is really just a testament to the opportunity I’ve been granted and the class of horse I’ve been able to drive throughout the year. I cannot thank the connections enough for the many, many opportunities that they have gifted me.”
The 24-year-old’s incredible season had netted 357 wins to Thursday night and will see him secure a third-straight statewide premiership and maiden Australian title come January 1, with Queenslander Pete McMullen the country’s next winningest driver on 263 victories.
Among Herbertson’s results in 2024 have been two triumphs at Group 1 level to take his career tally to six wins at the elite level.
A trip to France through late November and early December to learn and drive in an international race at the prestigious Vincennes circuit in Paris was a nice break from the routine of racing in Victoria, but Herbertson has wasted little time getting back into the groove and will have smashed his previous best of 251 season winners come midnight on December 31.
“The year has been nothing short of extraordinary and to say I’m living the dream is the truth,” Herbertson said.
“To be 24 and have achieved this much this year, I couldn’t be happier. But I could not do it without the people supporting me – whether it’s trainers, owners or the team at home.
“My name might be on the accolades, but without the people behind me I couldn’t do half of what I’m able to do week in, week out.”
