30 June 2016
IN 2014/2015 James made the move to the USA to work for 2012 Harness Racing Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Takter.
The then 19-year-old wanted something more and wanted to see how the sport he is so passionate about was done elsewhere.
“There is definitely a difference in regards to the recovery of a horse after a race, they really focus on getting the horse back to feeling its best after a tough run,” James said.
“In saying that, a lot of international techniques are becoming quite popular in Australia so that is great to see.”
James would like to go back to the USA in the future and work for different trainers to learn different training styles and hopes to return home and combine the knowledge and experience gained to train a team of horses, dreaming of one day get the opportunity to train a good horse.
Born and raised in Tamworth, the Harding family made the daring move to Newcastle in 2008 and James admits it was a big change. The move has given his father Geoff the opportunity to increase his stable size with better horses and finds he is now racing in the bigger races.
James describes a good friend and a major career influence, American driver Ron Pierce, as one of the best drivers in the world. Ron has taught James more than he ever thought and with the knowledge received from Hall of Famer, James drove a winner on his very first race drive with Strathlachlan Andy.
James has successfully driven 47 winners to date for over 300 race drives and his career highlights include driving Strathlachlan Andy to win the NSW Carnival of Cups Horse of the Year and competing in the Rising Stars series finishing ninth overall.
Favourite saying/motto: Everything happens for a reason
Mila Kunis or Renae Ayris: Renae Ayris
Winter or summer: Summer
Favourite country: Australia
Best horse driven: Strathlachlan Andy and Sunfire Blue Chip (USA)
Hobbies/interests: Motor bike riding and sport
Biggest career influence: Father Geoff Harding and Ron Pierce