‘Herbie’ to resume international journey

Young Victorian reinsman James Herbertson will resume his international harness racing journey next week after returning home to farewell his close friend, mentor and idol Greg Sugars.

Herbertson and his partner, fellow driver Ewa Justice, will fly out of Australia after attending Sugars’ public memorial service next Monday, May 12 at Melton Entertainment Park.

The 25-year-old returned from the United States last week after receiving the devastating news that Sugars had passed away suddenly in his sleep, aged just 40.

The pair were close friends, and Sugars was more than just a racing idol to Herbertson.

“When I say Greg was like another parent to me, I mean it. He took me under his wing and made me into the driver I am today,” Herbertson said at the time.

“He was one of the very best as a driver, a trainer and a human being.”

Herbertson will return to the Ron Burke stable in New Jersey for a week before travelling to Sweden to spend time at the stables of top trainer Jörgen Westholm ahead of the prestigious Elitloppet.

This time, he’ll be travelling with Justice, who will accompany him throughout the trip.

“I just really wanted her with me this time,” Herbertson said.

“I was telling her about the places and experiences I was having, and we just felt there was no reason she couldn’t come and experience it for herself.

“I guess the past couple of weeks have given all of us a bit of a different perspective. And stables are always happy to have an extra set of hands.”

The couple will enjoy a short break together in Europe after their time in Sweden, before returning to racing commitments.

Herbertson made headlines late last month with his first win at the iconic Meadowlands in New Jersey, guiding Select Friday to victory in the final race on April 25, and was quietly building momentum in his working holiday with the Burke stable.

But the celebration turned to heartbreak the next day when Jess Tubbs called to tell him of the passing of her husband Greg.

Herbertson drove in the Vale Greg Sugars Free For All at Melton last Saturday night and has driven three winners and five placegetters for Tubbs since he returned home.

The memorial service on Monday will begin at 12 noon at Melton Entertainment Park and will feature tributes from Jess Tubbs, Kylie Sugars, Gavin Smith and Herbertson.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed via thetrots.com.au. A wake will follow in the Legends Room at the same venue.

The Sugars family has requested that instead of flowers, tributes be made by joining the livestream and honouring Greg’s memory through the sharing of stories and reflections with friends and peers.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink