In-form Regan Bayliss is set to begin a new phase of his career as a senior jockey after successfully applying to finish his apprenticeship early.
Bayliss has already outridden his claim, a feat he achieved last month at Flemington, and also completed his four years of formal training in Racing Victoria's Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
He will be classified as a senior jockey when he returns to race riding next week after serving a careless riding suspension.
Bayliss has ridden 25 city winners in Melbourne so far this season to be equal third with Damien Oliver and apprentice Ben Allen in the premiership, with Dwayne Dunn leading the title race from Craig Williams.
Bayliss made his race debut with a win at Donald in July 2013 and his apprenticeship was due to run until July this year.