Stewart, Herbertson and Pitt dominate in Victoria

As we look ahead to what 2025 might bring and wonder who the next harness racing superstar will be, it’s also important to reflect on the year that has passed and the names that shone the brightest.

It’s fair to say James Herbertson had a year that many could only imagine or dream of. The young reinsman enjoyed an unforgettable 12 months both on Australian soil and abroad. His impressive list of achievements included claiming the drivers’ premiership for Victoria and Australia, along with two Group 1 triumphs.

The 24-year-old also competed in the second running of the Prix des Rencontres Internationales (International Prize) at Vincennes, teaming up with world-renowned trainer Jean-Michel Bazire at his Domaine de Grosbois training centre in France.

Mark Pitt had another incredible season, narrowly edging out Herbertson to claim the Metropolitan Drivers’ Premiership, capping off a stellar year for the 30-year-old reinsman.

Emma Stewart continued her training success with a remarkable 189-win season in 2024, which included several Group 1 triumphs. She also secured both the State Trainers’ Premiership and the Taylors Metropolitan Trainers’ Premiership.

Below is the complete list of Victorian Premiership winners from the 2024 season.

Garrards State Drivers Premiership

James Herbertson:  369 wins

State Trainers Premiership

Emma Stewart: 139 wins

Metropolitan Drivers Premiership

Mark Pitt: 127 wins

Taylors Metropolitan Trainers Premiership

Emma Stewart: 63 wins

Concession Drivers Premiership

Ryan Sanderson: 102 wins

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria