It was only a couple of years ago Matthew McGillivray was earning $100 a day painting houses for a living as the young jockey served a drug suspension.
Fast forward to 2017 and the apprentice hoop is in the riding form of his life, making such a big impact that he is the early season leader in the Brisbane jockey premiership.
He has come a long way since he was banned for four months in 2015 after he tested positive to methamphetamines and MDMA in a urine test at the Doomben jumpouts.
McGillivray initially tried to deny the charge but then fessed up that he had made a huge mistake, which he pledged wouldn't happen again, and set about trying to better himself.
"When I served my ban I was painting houses and earning about $100 a day, and there were some really long and hard days," McGillivray said.
"It opened up my eyes a lot about life and the value of hard work.
"I learned a lot in that time and I am a lot more appreciate about things these days."
McGillivray, 25, has ridden seven metropolitan winners to start the new season and has a golden chance to build on that with seven rides on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The 1.5kg claiming apprentice has been riding for some top Queensland stables including Toby Edmonds, Liam Birchley and Tony Gollan.
He won rave reviews from Birchley last Saturday for his sweet ride on Havasay which won the Class 6 Plate.
McGillivray is apprenticed to Paul Butterworth who became a Group I-winning trainer with Capital Gain in the JJ Atkins during the Winter Carnival.
McGillivray has been happy with his own riding form but is also aware he only has a month left in his apprenticeship.
"I feel I have been riding well and it is a good start to the season – now I have to sustain it," he said.
"I only have 4-5 weeks left in my apprenticeship and Liam Birchley has already told me he will keep supporting me.
"I've been getting a few chances with some of the top trainers and hopefully I can keep getting some good rides in some of the top camps."
As for Saturday, McGillivray feels Cornow ($11) can run a big race in the Class Six Handicap (1400m).
"I was really keen on Cornrow's chances and even though the barrier makes it a little bit difficult, I still think he can go close," McGillivray said.
"I also like Mr Epic ($3 fav in race four) as he is an honest horse who keeps stepping up to the plate.
"Mr Epic drops back in distance so I will be looking to put him a bit closer in the run."
