The 22-year-old returned to the Acton Track on Friday after serving an 18-month ban from the sport.

Loy had been disqualified for 12 months and suspended for another nine after pleading guilty to four charges last year.

The jockey was handed two six-month disqualifications to be served cumulatively for providing false evidence to stewards regarding his mobile phone.

He was also suspended for a further nine-months on drug-related charges, but the last three were stayed upon completion of drug counselling.

Loy has spent the last six months preparing for his racing return, focusing on his mental and physical fitness.

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"The first time around I was probably just relying on my ability and partying way too much," Loy admitted.

"Sometimes you can get into that trap when you're young. Even though I'm still 22-years-old, I feel a lot older and hopefully a bit smarter.

"I'm looking forward to making my way back properly and I'm feeling healthier both mentally and physically.

"If there are any other apprentices who battle it, you can reach out and turn your life around."

He rode Keith Dryden-trained Gambler's Quest to fifth in the three-year-old maiden handicap (1206 metres) but finished last in race five with Denise Wise's Dezzy.

But the results didn't take away his joy of being back on the Acton track.

"Just the thrill of being out there is great," Loy said.

"I'm just really excited to be back and looking forward to riding a winner sooner rather than later."

Loy is working as a freelance jockey and will next race in Wagga Wagga on Sunday.