Group One-winning jockey Darryl "Digger" McLellan will return to race riding for the first time in more than five years with four mounts at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

McLellan has not ridden in a race since being injured in a fall at Newcastle in December 201,1 but has been riding trackwork and in trials at the Gold Coast.

The 45-year-old has had a chequered past but was regarded as one of the best light-weight jockeys in NSW.

He has mostly been riding trackwork and trials for Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds who has rewarded him with the rides on Hanover Square, Murtasteel, Bound for Love, and Sugarparma on Saturday.

"He has been working hard and deserves support," Edmonds said.

McLellan has ridden more than 1000 winners including the 2002 Sydney Cup on Henderson Bay