By Jonny Turner
Former star reinswoman Jo Herbert is ready to rack up wins when she returns to race driving.
The former trial-blazer has returned to trials driving ahead of competing in her first official race in over ten years later, this season.
Herbert admitted the memories came rushing back to her when she got back out on the track.
“It didn’t feel like I had left, to be honest.”
After rising to star status in the sport and becoming a pioneer for future professional female drivers, family reasons meant Herbert effectively left full time harness racing in 2006.
Though she never intended to stop driving, it became apparent that she would not be able to continue after the birth of her first child.
“I had been told for years and years that I couldn’t have kids,” Herbert said.
“I got pregnant and had no intention of giving driving up, but as it turned out I ended up in hospital for quite a while.”
“I had a few drives after I had him, but it just got too hard.”
“He ended up having Crohn’s disease, which was diabolical to be honest, but he is much better now.”
The timing is now right for Herbert to return to driving a decade after driving her last winner, Valhalla, at Addington in 2009.
Her decision to reapply for her licence came after being encouraged to for some time by her employer, Stephen Boyd.
“He has been trying for years, he has been a wee bit sick of not having a stable driver he could keep.”
“All the other drivers are too committed to other stables.”
Boyd, who is an integral part of the All Stars stable as their breaker and pre-trainer, is coming off his best season as a trainer.
After extending his focus on training racehorses, he produced 11 wins form just 41 starters last term.
With horses like Ive Already Told You, Back In Black, and Vi Lee to return this season, Herbert should not take long to return to the winner’s circle in Boyd’s colours.
“I definitely wont drive as much as I used to, but if the opportunities are there I definitely won’t say no.”
“But, Stephen’s horses will be coming first.”
Herbert’s winning tally stands at 193 wins, meaning her first goal after she returns to driving is fairly obvious.
“I would like to get to my 200 as quick as possible.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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