James Herbertson
IT is only fitting driver James Herbertson takes centre stage at Melton on New Year’s Eve.
It’s an ideal chance for one of Australia’s top young drivers to ice the cake of another magnificent year in the sulky.
Herbertson, who turns 24 on March 21, is a runaway winner of the Victoria statewide drivers’ premiership. It’s his second successive title after finishing second as a 21-year-old in 2021.
But the self-described “competitive beast” wants more and is raising the bar for 2024.
“It’s been a lot of hard work to get here and success has been great, but I need to get better. I don’t just want to be a player in more of the really big races, I think I need to.
“I don’t just want to be prolific and hard-working, I’m too competitive.
“As good as this year has been, I got a few opportunities I didn’t seize. When they come again, I have to make the most of them.”
Herbertson’s competitive streak doesn’t allow him to reflect too much.
“I’m always looking forward. I get a bit lost in that, lost in ambition and what I can do next, rather than what I have achieved,” he said.
“Nobody is harder on me than myself. I hate getting beaten.
“The biggest win I had this year was a Group 2 – the Need For Speed final on She’s Ruby Roo – which was great, but I want more. I need more.”
Herbertson’s 247 wins also have him a clear third on the Australian drivers’ list behind rampaging Queenslander Nathan Dawson (408) and WA champion Gary Hall Jr (268).
Young NSW superstar Cam Hart is back in fourth spot in 226 wins.
So, it’s fair to say Herbertson is “well graded” back against his contemporaries in the inaugural Young Guns series at Melton on Sunday night.
The Young Guns series will bring together 10 of Victoria’s top young drivers under 25 years of age, across eight races.
Herbertson is one of six males in the series, the others are: Ryan Backhouse, Jack Laugher, Jordan Leedham, Declan Murphy and Ryan Sanderson.
The four females taking part are: Jordan Chibnall, Shannon O’Sullivan, Codi Rauchenberger and Taylor Youl.
“It’s great to have a series like this supporting the young drivers and showcasing them,” Herbertson said.
“When you're in a series like this, the racing can get really spirited so it should be good viewing and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Herbertson finished equal fifth on the Victoria Metropolitan Drivers’ table behind Kate Gath.
Emma Stewart dominated Victoria’s training ranks again, winning the Metro title with more than double her nearest rival, Andy Gath. Stewart was more than 60 wins clear of Julie Douglas on the Victorian statewide table.
· Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.
