‘Herbie’ lands first win in the US

Australia’s leading harness racing reinsman James Herbertson has broken through for his first victory in the United States.

The 25-year-old is spending five weeks at the New Jersey stables of all-time leading trainer Ron Burke.

But his first success came on an outside drive, for NJ trainer Michael Posner when he piloted Select Friday (Rockin Image) to victory in the final race at the Meadowlands earlier today (Apr 25).

The gifted young driver had earlier finished second on Outcry for Billy Dubois (race 7) and third for Burke on Lexus Kody (race 6), and appears right at home with the American-style racing.

“The racing is chalk and cheese to home.  They’re high intensity, every race and such aggressive racing,” Herbertson said.

“Meadowlands is huge and a spectacle to behold, it’s just great to finally get on the board – it was a relief!” he said.

Select Friday settled back in the field, but, in classic Herbertson style, the 16/1 chance came with a blistering run in the stretch to score comfortably.

SELECT FRIDAY REPLAY

Herbertson is clearly enjoying the warm and welcoming culture and the challenge of transitioning to his new environment.

“They’ve got plenty of horses in work at the stable and I pretty much just drive track work. They put me behind 60k horses to 600k horses. They trust you fortunately enough,” he said.

“The bikes are obviously wider, but the angle is much steeper, putting a lot more pressure on your body when the horse gets off the bridle.

“I didn’t have to do any trials, but unlike Australia each State has its own licence, so you just get the licence in each state and play on!

“I’m staying here with (former Australian trainer-driver) Brad Chisholm, and that’s been great.  Brad works for hall of famer Joe Holloway at Gaitway Farm, and he’s been here for just over three years.  He’s very respected on and off track and he’s done very well for himself.

“There are a few Aussie ex-pats here, and a lot of Kiwis here, so there’s plenty of banter!”

Off the track, the lean and fit Herbertson is finding his way as well.

“I’m trying as many different things as I can. The Dunkin (Donuts) coffee is definitely my favorite, and there’s plenty of good rich food here. I only need one or two meals a day easily to get by, but a diet will be required when I get home!

“As for driving on the roads – no! I’m quite happy being chauffeured around for everyone else’s safety!”

Herbertson has a little over another three weeks before heading to Sweden for Elitloppet, and to spend time at the Jorgen Westholm stable.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink