The 20-year-old apprentice jockey hails from a strong harness racing family in Young and was just about to get his licence as a driver at the trots before an opportunity in racing presented.

"I did mini-trotting driving from when I was nine until 12. Then I went to get my licence in the trotting," Schiller recalled.

"I did 20 trials and then transferred over to Phil just before I got my licence. I was close."

Schiller has made a blistering start to his career in the saddle.

Apprenticed to Phil Sweeney at Jerilderie, Schiller enjoyed success at his first race ride, scoring on the Marcus O'Connor-trained Little Capri at Hillston on April 6.

Not content to leave it there, Schiller also won on his second race ride, at Holbrook, guiding Beaujeen to victory for Sweeney.

Schiller now has eight race rides under his belt for three wins. He can still recall how happy he was after his debut success at Hillston.

"Very. When I went past the post, I let out a big sigh of relief," he said.

Schiller spent a year at Chris Heywood's stables in Wagga, doing a traineeship, through school, for his stablehand's licence.

It was then, while juggling an interest in both codes, that an opportunity arose to join Sweeney at Jerilderie.

"Michael Donoghue put me on to him. Because he knew I couldn't ride as well at Chris's place, because I was just learning, I was only 15," he said.

"I went to Phil's in December 2016 and learnt to ride and he got me going. I'd never ridden a horse. Phil's a very good teacher and helped me a lot."

Schiller says he owes a great deal to Sweeney.

"I can't thank Phil enough. He's just placed me on the right horses and made me look good," he said.

"He only let me ride one a meeting but that's all you need when you're riding a winner.

"He's gradually putting me in there, trying to get me more comfortable with racing so it's not just a blur, like the trials and it's been going super.

"We live in the same house, he cooks, I clean. He's an easy going boss. He keeps me in line. It's pretty quiet out there but it's a good atmosphere in the stable and a lot of horses to keep you going on your apprenticeship."

Schiller is the grandson of Young harness racing trainer Peter Schiller. His parents are Glenn and Susan.

Schiller weighs 'about' 50 kilograms and despite his harness racing background, had always wanted to be a jockey.

"I think I wanted to be a jockey more. From when I was six, I was telling mum I wanted to be a jockey and then she finally got serious about it when I was 12," he said with a laugh.

While he only has eight rides to his name, Schiller cannot get enough of racing.

"It's really exhilarating. It's been a really good experience," he said.

Schiller's goal for the immediate future is simple, as he goes about finding his feet in the industry.

"Just to keep riding winners," he said.

"Keep Phil happy, keep my weight down and keep riding winners."

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