James Herbertson impresses at Vincennes

Australia’s harness racing ‘whizz kid’ James Herbertson has taken his exceptional form overseas to France.

The 24-year-old from Lexton near Ballarat, in Victoria, represented Australia in the second running of the Prix des Rencontres Internationales (International Prize) at Vincennes early this morning.

Herbertson is Australia’s leading reinsman and his stellar form this season has given him 344 winners. But he was set a mighty task on 20/1 shot Heros Du Pemmereux from barrier 11 in the French feature, against invited drivers from throughout Europe and North America.

Starting from the back row, Herbertson angled his trotter into the one out line, three and then four back.

With a number of his rivals making early runs, he then elected to switch back to the inside. Faced with a wall in front of him on the home corner, the youngster went searching for any runs and weaved his way through with his usual touch of brilliance.

Herbertson officially finished in fifth placing and can be duly proud of his efforts.

“The experience was great – the bikes are very wide we got a little bit tightened up down the straight and ended up locking wheels for a stride or two,” Herbertson said after the race.

“The horse was a little bit hard to handle early on, but he was better throughout the run,” he said.

“I had a great experience and I’m very fortunate to be here.”

Herbertson’s dad Ashleigh said the TrotsVision coverage of the event was a nervous watch!

“It was pretty willing up the home straight, but we thought he did very well,” he said.

“He’s thoroughly enjoying his time over in Paris. I think he’s struggling a bit with the language, but apart from that he’s doing fine.

“We’re now hoping he is lucky enough to get another race drive during the trip.”

The race was a highlight in James’ 10 day stay, which is part of a four year partnership between Harness Racing Victoria and Le Trot, the French trotting organisation, offering an opportunity to a driver under 25 each year.

Herbertson is working alongside world-renowned horseman Jean-Michel Bazire at the stunning Domaine de Grosbois training centre. Last year Australia was represented by Ryan Sanderson.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink