A fresh-faced teenage apprentice when he burst into race riding in 2010, Collins made a spectacular impact on the sport before his career spiraled into chaos and disarray.

Now 20 years old, and about to make a courageous comeback, Collins yesterday recalled how he got caught up in the furiously-paced and glamorous world of racing.

"I was very young, very young and very immature," Collins said yesterday.

"Fame and money came pretty quick.

"I was riding winners left, right and centre."

Thrust so quickly fast into the racetrack spotlight, Collins revelled in the celebrity of the profession before his shooting star burnt out in dramatic circumstances.

"I lost the plot," Collins remembered yesterday.

"I got myself into a bit of trouble."

For a young man who made his riding debut three months shy of his 15th birthday, the brushes with officialdom took a toll, ultimately forcing him out of the saddle.

"That was nearly three years ago," he said yesterday.

"I went riding saddle bronc horses and had a bit of success."

Heading into his first race meeting on the road to redemption, Collins is adamant he has learnt some bitter lessons.

"I've got a lot of regrets," he said.

"If I had my time over I'd definitely change things.

"It'll be different this time around.

"I was too young. I'm older and it'll be different."

Significantly, Collins has gone full circle as he pursues his second chance on the racetrack roundabout.

After starting out as apprentice in the care of Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland, Collins is now back working in Sutherland's stables.

"Trevor was my master as a kid," Collins said.

"It's good to be back.

"I'm also living with (jockey) Bryan Murphy and he's keeping on the straight and narrow."

Coincidentally, Collins will ride alongside Wantabadgery's international Tye Angland at today's MTC card.

Angland is the special guest rider at the meeting, which includes the annual jockeys' challenge carrying a $1000 prize.

Recalling his switch from the racetrack to bronco riding, Collins said he often competed at rodeos against Angland's talented brothers Cody and Rhys.

"But I wasn't quite in their league," he said.

"Maybe I can get one back on Tye."

Collins, who competed with success on the rodeo circuit, has rides in six of the eight races today, with the Brad Witt pair Obvious Twist and Shaft Millennium two of the best.

Collins card

Race 1: Bunzar

Race 2: Obvious Twist

Race 4: Our True Matriarch

Race 5: Marwishuponastar

Race 6: Shaft Millennium

Race 8: Lightning Albert