Herbertson to debut in Sweden

Australia’s leading young reinsman James Herbertson will make his Swedish driving debut early tomorrow morning (Wednesday May 28 Australian EST), continuing a whirlwind international harness racing experience that’s taken him to the USA and Europe.

After a winning stint in the U.S., including a driving double at Scioto Downs, Herbertson has now joined elite trainer Jörgen Westholm in Sweden. He’s booked for three drives at Gävle.

Herbertson will partner Mr Moustache in Race 3, a lightly raced trotter with three unplaced runs, Luigi Mearas in Race 4—one of the favoured runners, having finished runner-up in all three career starts—and Ready West in Race 7, an experienced performer with three wins and seven placings from 22 starts.

“Jörgen gives two of them a shot, but I haven’t been told too much just yet,” Herbertson said earlier today.

It’s the 25-year-old’s first time racing in Sweden, though he previously drove at Vincennes in France, where he finished fourth in the 2022 Prix des Rencontres Internationales (International Prize) invitational.

“The Elitloppet (at the weekend) was a racing spectacle, that’s for sure,” Herbertson said.

“The racing, the crowds, the atmosphere… they do it best. I caught up with Brad Hewitt (trainer-driver of Australian contender The Locomotive, who finished seventh in his heat) and he was happy with his horse.”

Herbertson said he’s relishing the learning opportunities under Westholm, who he described as a “mastermind”.

“Jörgen does things very differently. He has his own methods that really seem to work. Very out-there ideas—but it’s been a real learning curve, seeing how everyone approaches things differently over here.”

Herbertson said language hasn’t been a barrier, thanks to the Swedes’ excellent English.

“They understand me, and we can have conversations with everyone about everything!” he said.

The weather has been mixed—typical of the northern European spring—but Herbertson says having his parents there to enjoy the experience with him, and his partner Ewa Justice alongside him, has made it all the more special.

“They’re enjoying themselves and deserved the break more than anything,” he said.

“And I’m so glad Ewa is here to experience it all too.”

Herbertson is in Sweden thanks to his victory in the Young Guns Drivers’ Series at Melton on New Year’s Eve—a title that’s opened doors internationally for one of Australia’s most respected young talents.

Fields, results and replays are available at: www.swedishhorseracing.com

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink