Apprentice Jye McNeil has landed his first winner since after missing the spring carnival through injury.

McNeil gave the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Golden Mane the perfect ride before taking out The Johnstaff Handicap (2000m).

Sent out the $3.30 favourite, Golden Mane scored by 1-1/4 lengths over Wyoming ($4.40) with More Rewarding ($6) the same margin away third.

McNeil was sidelined with a broken collarbone after falling from Anaween after winning a race at Albury in September.

"I have to thank the (Hayes and Dabernig) stable for putting a lot of faith in me since my return and I appreciate it a lot," McNeil said.

Golden Mane's victory was his fourth on the trot and Dabernig believes there is still more to come from the developing stayer.

"He's a good advertisement for being patient," Dabernig said.