Another young reinsman from Down Under has set his sights on the North American harness racing scene.

James Herbertson, a 25-year-old Australian rising star, will be looking to make the most of a brief driving stint over the course of a four to five-week visit to the United States after connecting with North American leading trainer Ron Burke and owner Mark Weaver through Summit Bloodstock's Jamie Durnberger-Smith during the Ultimate Driving Championship held in Queensland this past February.

The Queensland native began his driving career during Australia's 2015-16 season and was a winner in his very first start. He's since gone on to rack up 1,555 victories, including six Group 1 stakes, with monumental success in the sulky over the last few years.

In an interview with Meadowlands Racetrack's Dave Little during this past Saturday's "In The Sulky" segment, Herbertson discussed his current visit to the U.S. that will be followed by a two-week trip to Sweden where he will train with horseman Jörgen Westholm and attend the Elitloppet. Herbertson won the European experience as a prize while competing in the Harness Racing Victoria's Youngs Guns driving challenge on New Year's Eve.

"Look, you've got to keep your options open," said Herbertson when asked about his travels and future career plans. "I'm not tied down to too much. You know, the racing at home isn't absolutely flying, and you've just got to keep your options open, I guess. And you know, everyone that you speak to that ever comes across to America never has a bad thing to say about the racing and everything you can learn. So I came over here with an open mind and to learn as much as possible."

Herbertson discussed the differences in tactical strategy and speed between Australian and North American harness racing, describing the new experience as "an eye opener."

"I've had probably over 10,000 drives, and this is like starting fresh again," said Herbertson, who secured his first Australian driving premiership in 2024. "The horses are completely different -- the way they travel, the way they feel. The bikes are different -- they're shorter and wider. You know, it's really absolutely chalk and cheese."

After three runner-up finishes and four thirds through his first 18 drives between Harrah's Philadelphia and The Meadowlands since arriving in North America, Herbertson landed in the winner's circle at The Big M on Friday night with seven-year-old pacer Select Friday, a 16-1 shot trained by Michael Posner.

"Around the turn, he wasn't really keeping on the bridle too well, we were gapping out a little bit. And you know, that last 200, it was just a little bit of divine intervention come into it and he sprouted wings and finished home strong.

"It was getting to the point where I was like, am I even going to be able to win one here? I had a lot of seconds and thirds, and had enough power here and there, but just hadn't had everything go my way. Fortunately enough, that one worked out."

During the interview, Herbertson also paid tribute to the late trainer Greg Sugars, who was influential to his career and passed away suddenly over the weekend.

"Greg is regarded as one of the best for a reason: his horsemanship, the man he was. When I say that he was like my second parents, I really mean it. He took me under his wing, and he sort of made me into the driver that I am today, and I have it all to owe to him. I really miss him."

The full Meadowlands interview is available below.

(Standardbred Canada)