Herbertson claims 2nd Australian Drivers Championship

Victorian reinsman James Herbertson has cemented his status as Australia’s leading harness racing driver, claiming his second Australian Drivers Championship in Hobart on Sunday afternoon.

The 25-year-old, who leads the nation by wins this season, topped the standings with 61 points after six heats, winning two races and finishing in the placings on two other occasions to secure the title.

Herbertson said the standard of competition throughout the series was high.

“It was great to be competing against the best in Australia,” Herbertson said. “We had a great day and it was very competitive racing throughout.”

Herbertson’s two heat wins came aboard Tammy Langley-trained runners Itsmenotu and Wazza.

“I’m thrilled to come out on top after getting the right horses and the right trips during the races,” Herbertson said. “We had luck on our side.”

The championship success caps a standout season for Herbertson, who leads the Australian Drivers Premiership by 85 wins over Queenslander Nathan Dawson.

This year alone, Herbertson has driven winners across Europe, Australia, America and New Zealand.

Among his highlights was success in The Ascent series in New Zealand last month, where he partnered Tracy The Jet to victory for trainer Jess Tubbs. Closer to home, Herbertson also claimed the Bendigo Cup and Ballarat Cup with Bulletproof Boy and later defeated champion pacer Leap To Fame in another feature race.

Earlier in the year, Herbertson also enjoyed success at the Australasian Young Drivers Championship in Queensland.

South Australian driver Ryan Hryhorec finished second overall in the Australian Drivers Championship on Sunday, while Victoria’s other representative, Kate Gath, finished eighth among the 12 competitors.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bronte Nieuwenburg, for Harness Racing Victoria