James Herbertson (right) after winning the 2025 Bendigo Cup on Bulletproof Boy
AUSTRALIA’S premier driver James Herbertson starts the adventure of a lifetime today.
And it is a chapter which could reshape his entire career.
The Ballarat-based Herbertson, 25, is on a plane to the US today for the first leg of a two country “fact finding” mission.
After five weeks in the US with Hall of Fame trainer Ron Burke, Herbertson will head to Sweden for 10 days with leading horseman Jorgen Westholm, just outside Stockholm.
And what a time to be there with star Australian trotter The Locomotive tackling the iconic Elitlopp Trot in Stockholm.
“I can’t wait, I’ve been counting down the days, to be honest,” Herbertson said.
“As long as the paperwork goes through, I’ll be driving in the US, probably at a track like Pocono (Downs, in Pennsylvania) in a few days.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking of doing for a long time. I’ve had so many people raving about it and urging me to go, but there is just never a right time with the busy schedule at home.”
That changed when Herbertson won the Young Guns series at Melton on New Year’s Eve, Part of the “prize” was the time with Westholm.
“That was the trigger I needed. I’ve been planning it all since then,” he said. “I know I’m leaving behind the best book of young horses I’ve driven and I’ll miss feature races, but it’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.”
Herbertson’s rise to stardom has been stunning, capped by winning last year’s Australian Driving Premiership with 370 wins, 93 clear of nearest rival and former winner Pete McMullen.
He boasts more than 1550 career wins, including six at Group 1 level, and is 20 wins clear in this year’s national title.
“I know I’m probably surrendering the title by going, but there’s a bigger picture,” he said.
Most think it is inevitable Herbertson will follow other Australasian stars like Dexter Dunn and brothers Andy and Todd McCarthy, who moved to the US and became superstars on the world’s biggest stage.
Herbertson tempered that somewhat.
“Let’s call it a fact finding mission, a chance to dip my toe in the water and do a temperature check,” he said.
“If you’re asking whether I’ll love it there so much, I won’t come home, that’s a no.
“But I’m going over to learn from some of the best and see if I enjoy it. If I came home with a big decision to make my future, that would be exciting.”
Herbertson said the support of Aussie-based Summit Bloodstock supremo Jamie Durnberger-Smith had been immense.
“Jamie opened the door to the opportunity with Ron Burke. I met Ron’s main owner, Mark Weaver, through Jamie in Brisbane in February and they’ve been amazing. They’re going to support me with drives over there,” he said.
“I’ll be at the second tier tracks, but that’s how I want to do it. I know I’ll need to earn my stripes all over again over there.”
Herbertson also expects to drive in Sweden during the second leg of his trip.
“Everyone tells Jorgen (Westholm) is a huge supporter of young people in the game and will give me drives, so I can’t wait for that, too.”
PHOTO: Stuart McCormick
