James Herbertson is set to take his sky-rocketing career to even greater heights thanks to a generous opportunity from Le Trot and a flourishing partnership with Harness Racing Victoria.
The 24-year-old reinsman will travel to France in late November where he will drive in the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français at Vincennes and work alongside world-renowned horseman Jean-Michel Bazire at the incredible Domaine de Grosbois training centre in Paris.
“It's a credit to HRV working out something like this,” Herbertson said.
“There's a lot of logistics that go into it and it's a great opportunity for a young bloke. I'm really looking forward to it.”
Herbertson was announced as Harness Racing Victoria’s representative after meeting a range of selection criteria sent out to all licenced drivers under 25 in February this year. This criteria encompassed essential skills, qualifications and attributes, including professionalism, commitment, proven experience driving trotters and attendance at the young driver development program.
The Lexton-based Herbertson follows in the footsteps of fellow driver Ryan Sanderson, who pioneered the trip in 2023 and returned home with some amazing life experiences from his two-week stay in France.
Herbertson has quickly become one of the country’s leading reinsmen after commencing his career during the 2015-16 season. He has piloted more than 1300 winners - including six at Group 1 level – and has claimed the state drivers’ premiership in the last two years. His current 2024 campaign is his best yet, with 293 winners to October 23 having him clearly on top of the Australia-wide leaderboard.
Herbertson will leave for France on November 21 and return on December 4.