Jason Collett made a winning start to his senior riding career at Canterbury on Wednesday and says he is prepared to do the hard yards to forge a successful career in Sydney.

Collett scored aboard the Chris Waller-trained three-year-old Heart Testa in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m) to bring up the milestone, just two days after finishing his apprenticeship.

"It's a good feeling," Collett said.

"I ended my apprenticeship with a win on Monday at Randwick and it's good to get a win here today in my second ride as a senior jockey."

New Zealander Collett first made his mark in Sydney while on a three-month loan to Waller last year.

However, his career hit a hurdle when he was injured in a race fall 10 months ago in New Zealand and suffered bleeding on the brain.

The injury kept him away from the track for four months before he eventually returned to Sydney in August.

Collett admits he considered giving riding away but he now believes he's returned to Australia a better jockey and more mature person.

Waller was proud to give Collett his first winner as a senior hoop and said the 21-year-old had the work ethic and attitude to make the grade.

"He's a tremendous young man," Waller said.

"Full credit to him, he came out of his apprenticeship on Monday and he was still at the stables at 3.40 on Tuesday morning, his first day as a senior rider.

"What does that tell you about a young man that is wanting to have a go? He's really focused."

Collett says he has seen what can be achieved in Sydney racing and can't wait for Randwick on Saturday when he'll have his first Group One rides in Australia.

He will partner Gangster's Choice in the Epsom Handicap for trainer John O'Shea and the Gwenda Markwell-trained Peal Of Bells in the Metropolitan Handicap.

"I got told last week I could be on him if he makes the field and I was over the moon when it was confirmed," Collett said of Gangster's Choice.

"I've got four rides at the meeting which is pretty good for one of the biggest days in Sydney racing.

"I've come close at home a couple of times in Group Ones. I've had a couple of placings.

"But to win one of these here would be massive."