Is there an older active trainer in Australia? This is James Kirk better known as Herbie to everyone that knows him. Herbie turns the fantastic age of 91 in July and is still enjoying his greyhounds he told me “They keep me alive.” Herb told me he first got his trainers licence when he was 20 about 1950. “It was a green piece of paper, I got from Roy Maidment I think they only had two in the office in those days in the city.” Herb preceded to win races at all the old tracks Napier Park, Gracedale, Sandown, White City and Maribyrnong. He went on to race and win at North Melbourne, Olympic Park and the new Sandown. He also won a stack of races in the bush. One highlight was the 1984 Bendigo Cup with a dog called Bronze Wing a brindle and white dog by Tempix. “He just struggled at the 500 but was a handy dog.” Herb formed an alliance 40 years ago with Bendigo breeder Tom Boorn and has raced many dogs from Tom’s property. ” We’re great mates still go on three days fishing trips together.” He won plenty of races with Golden Patch, Reckless Brother, Royal Knocka and Royal Cosmic (both had over 90 starts). His last winner was Onya Nelly at Bendigo in early December last year. Herb lives in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne at Glenroy he has a wonderful supportive family after losing his wife 30 years ago. “The dogs have kept me going, I love em.” A longtime member of the MGRA he never misses a meeting at the Meadows. All I can say is keep training them Herb, your a marvel.
Herb in April 2022 trained a winner at the Meadows Aston Laurent. Read about the win. Click on link for full details
July 2025 Herbie just keeps on keeping on. Ageless greyhound trainer James Kirk better known as Herbie to everyone that knows him. Herbie turned the fantastic age of 95 on July 3rd 2025. He continues to train winners (As above) I wrote about Herbie back in 2021 when was just a young fella and he is still enjoying his greyhounds. Last Wednesday night July 9th 2025 Herbie trained Kid Luck when he saluted at the Meadows in Race 10 from box 6. Winning by 3/4 of a length at $13. Herbie is a long time life member of the MGRA I suggest the current oldest member of the club he rarely misses a meeting there. All I can say is keep training them Herb, your are absolute marvel.
Alan Muram – Good Job Herbie
Shane Gordon – Congratulations Benny Briffa – Congratulations Herbie
Craig Benson- If Herbie trained Kid Luck last week, why is the trainer James Kirk?
Trevor Smith -He certainly is a really great bloke,and I’m glad to call him a friend!
Pete Desmond -Herbie Mr Kirk great man with a dog but even better human ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sandy Dee -An absolute gentleman.
Edwin Caruana-A cherished life member of the MGRA, keep the winners coming.
Craig Benson- GRV should make a short documentary on Herbie
Judy Stewart- What a legend and still going strong! 💪
Garry Anesbury-Great work brother keep on trucking
David Torr-Great job Herbie keep it your a legend
Diane Bartolo-Congratulations Herbie, what an achievement 👏
Su Trim-Happy Birthday Herbie, 🎂 one of the friendliest and happy people I’ve sat with and chatted to at the races
Maureen Stephens-Happiest birthday wishes to you Herbie. A true gentleman, always with a smile. Still training winners! So good to hear.
Brian Parkinson-Well Done Herbie more winners on the horizon👏👏
Marg Long-Herbie, such a beautiful gentleman and a pleasure to be around .Hope you have many more winners Herbie
John Reid-proud to call you a mate Herbie.
Heather Cooke-Congrats young man, keep doing what you do
Charlie Schembri-Well done champ wishing you many mare years
Lloyd Coyne-Awesome 👌👌👌
John Staines-Congratulations 🥂
Tina Woman-Congratulations Herbie such a lovely man ❤️ we hope you keep training more winners & hope you had a wonderful birthday 🥳🎂
Michele Berry-Well done Herbie I miss kid luck, I’m so pleased he is doing you proud
Edwin Caruana-Good on you Herbie, keep on keeping on
