The 27-year-old has been working for Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson after he stepped away from the industry for eight months in September last year.
After travelling abroad, McIlwrick received a call-up from Williamson to fill in at his stable.
Williamson presently has two staff members out of action, with son Matthew competing at the World Driving Championships, and Matthew's fiancee Charlotte Purvis, expecting their first child in thecoming days.
McIlwrick, who quickly accepted the offer, said he was enjoying being back in harness racing.
"I think what drew me back was a respect for the people and a respect for the game,'' he said.
"Phil and Bev Williamson are such wonderful people, it is a privilege to know them.''
Driving rank outsiders made for tough work for Matthew Williamson on the penultimate day of the World Driving Championships in Sweden.
Having to pair with a team of hapless trotters, Williamson slid from fifth to seventh on the series leaderboard after five heats at Rattvik yesterday morning, NZ time.
Williamson drove horses with win dividends ranging between $15 and $81.
The Oamaru reinsman will need to score serious points with his five drives in the last day of the world championship at Gavle, this morning (New Zealand time).
Strong bloodlines were to the fore throughout last night's Forbury Park meeting.
American Mac, the last foal from Maudola, the dam of champion pacer, Sokyola, won race 3.
The 5yr-old scored his maiden victory for Gore owners Brian and Shona McLennan in his second start for trainer Syd Breen.
Breen said he would possibly aim American Mac at an upcoming Nugget Final in Southland, before attempting to win a junior drivers' race at Forbury Park over the winter with the pacer.
Well-related mare Francesca Cumani won race 2 for trainer Ken Barron and driver Blair Orange.
The 4yr-old is a half-sister, by Bettor's Delight, to former Otago horse of the year Eamon Maguire.
Orange also won race 5 with Parama and race 6, the meeting's feature pace, with Pay Me Visa.
