From the Callers Box – June 2026

We’re just under a month away from the 2026 Inter Dominion series.

Here’s hoping the promotion really ramps up in the coming weeks, again, it’s been really disappointing. Most I’ve spoken to are blissfully unaware the series starts so soon.

But who’s responsibility is it? Is it the governing body (Racing Queensland) or the host club? Is it collaborative?

Having a horse like Leap To Fame to promote is a gift, a gift that doesn’t appear often, but we’ve missed the mark again just like we did during the ‘Golden Era’ during the mid-2000’s with the likes of Blacks A Fake, Be Good Johnny, Flashing Red and Slipnslide among others.

Anyways, I sound like a broken record.

Changing lanes, here’s another thought. And I stress “thought”!

Someone recently said to me, imagine if James Herbertson moved back to Queensland, wouldn’t that be a huge boost for the local driver’s colony? That got me thinking.

James Herbertson is world class, evident for all during this year’s Ultimate Drivers Championship (UDC) back in February. So many stables would welcome the move because most are fighting for the high-quality drivers to partner their runners. But many of those high-quality drivers are already linked or committed to another stable. It becomes frustrating and difficult.

As it stands, Herbertson is the leading driver in Australia, he’s a freelance Victorian based reinsman who’s built strong relationships with owners and trainers over time. But just imagine if he moved back to Queensland, his place of origin. There’s plenty of benefits. Less travel/commute time to meetings. Higher driver’s fees. Racing all week long. Better weather/lifestyle.

The opportunities could be exciting if he moved back home, his roots run deep in Victoria and maybe he enjoys the lifestyle down there but it’s a fascinating thought.

In recent times, he’s experienced success abroad and he makes no secret of the fact he’d like to move if the right opportunity presented itself. But Queensland could/would be a perfect landing spot. Food for “thought”.

Until next time.