22 August 2022 | HRSA Media Room
YOUNG star James Herbertson admits to harbouring a few nerves as he counts down to his Globe Derby debut.
Poised to represent Victoria in next month’s Australian Drivers’ Championship in Adelaide, Herbertson stated the occasion demands a touch of nerves given the quality of opposition.
The 22-year-old’s rivals consists of three previous winners, including defending champion – Western Australia superstar, Gary Hall junior.
Hall will be joined by Queensland’s Pete McMullen, who captured the inaugural edition in 2014, and local reinsman, Wayne Hill, who was triumphant in 2016.
“It’s like an Inter Dominion field of drivers,” Herbertson said. “The series will bring together some of the best drivers Australia has seen, so there is plenty to be in awe of.
“I’m a little nervous given the prestige of the occasion, but also honoured and humbled to be part of the line up.
“I haven’t driven at Globe Derby, Mount Gambier is the closest I’ve come to Adelaide, so it will be an experience in itself.”
At just 22 Herbertson has garnished plenty of praise for his skills in the sulky, which have already seen him win four Group Ones and register a double century last season.
He is on target for another personal best year having won 144 races for the term.
“I’m having another good year which comes down to the support I have been receiving,” Herbertson said. “I can’t thank each trainer and owner enough for trusting me to drive their horse.”
With each competitor to contest eight races, the winner will be decided on points accumulated throughout the night.
Along with bragging rights as Australian champion, the winner will be given strong consideration when determining Australia’s representative in next year’s World Driving Championship in Italy.
“These series can come down to luck with the draw when it comes to getting the right horses to drive, so hopefully some of that luck comes my way,” Herbertson said.
“That said, Wayne and Dani Hill would have to be the ones to beat given their knowledge of the local form and the track.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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