Last year's national junior drivers' premiership winner has applied for his trainer's licence and hopes to begin training a small team after it has been confirmed.
The 25-year-old will base his team at Roxburgh racecourse after recently shifting to the area.
The well-travelled McIlwrick has been working for local trainers Geoff and Jude Knight after stints across the South Island.
The driver jumped when offered the chance to train his own team from the Roxburgh course as it has been a long-held ambition.
''Training horses has been something I have wanted to do ever since I got into the game, even more than driving to be honest.''
''We are just going to build slowly and try to do a quality job with a small amount of horses.
''Giving the horses that one-on-one attention will be the aim.''
McIlwrick is welcoming new owners to his venture and will put a priority on making sure their racing experience is an enjoyable one.
''I think one of the most important things will be communicating with the owners - especially in this day and age.''
The horseman spent much of this year based in Mosgiel before having shorter stints in stables from Christchurch to Invercargill.
Settling in Roxburgh is agreeing with him, McIlwrick said.
''I love it up here. It is a great set-up and I am really enjoying it up here.
''We are very fortunate to have a big range of facilities here.
''We have a pool, a walker, a straight track, the ability to ride the horses and of course the racetrack.''
