Despite the temptation, Australia’s premier driver James Herbertson is not going anywhere for now.
Herbertson won races in the US and Sweden during the working part of his recent five-week holiday with partner, Ewa Justice.
He returned home last week and drove three winners across two Melton meetings last Friday and Saturday.
“It’s great to be back into it,” he said. “I’ve had strong support from owners and trainers and picked up a few winners, too.”
Despite his five-week absence, Herbertson still shares the lead in the Australian driving premiership with Queensland’s Pete McMullen on 111 wins.
Herbertson was a man in demand in the US leg of his trip with leviathan owner Mark Weaver and leading trainer Ron Burke throwing their support behind him.
Many felt the opportunities would entice the Ballarat-based horseman to make the move to the US.
“The trip was everything I wanted to be, an incredible experience and all positive. It was perfect,” he said.
“But I won’t be going anywhere, at least not in the short term.
“I’m back here at a good time with the Inter Dominion and Young Drivers’ Championship just around the corner in Brisbane and heaps of big races through the back half of the year.
“I’m sure I’ll reassess at some stage, but I’m home and fully focused on here for now.
“Don’t get me wrong, the US thing is tempting, but I just feel now’s not the right time.
“I think I can get some more big runs on the board here (Australia) and it will only enhance my case for the US if I do decide to give it a proper crack at some stage.”
Herbertson, 25, confirmed he would drive former Inter Dominion runner-up Better Eclipse for friend and trainer Jess Tubbs in this year’s series, starting at Albion Park on Saturday week.
“Jess is also taking up Rakero Rebel for the mares’ races, so I’ll drive her, too,” he said.
“I’ll be up and back from Brisbane for the first two Saturday nights, the stay the second week for the (Young) driver series.”
Herbertson’s trip also saw him drive a winner in Swedish from prominent trainer Jorgen Westholm.
“That was cool. They put me on one good enough and we got the job done,” he said.
“Ewa and I spent some time with Jorgen and he’s fascinating. He just thinks so differently, it was such a great learning experience.
“I got to go to the Elitlopp while I was in Sweden, too, and it’s obviously one of the most amazing race days you’d ever go to.
“Then it was holiday time. Ewa’s mum (Kasia) is from Poland, so we visited her family and also had time in Austria and Amsterdam.
“The trip was everything I hoped for as far as experience, opportunities, meeting people and getting some relaxation time, too,” he said.
“But it’s great to be home and with so much great racing to look forward to.”