Brown back a winner at Benalla
The talented jockey and former champion apprentice partnered Sly Samba Deer, who was backed from as much as $51 in early markets to start at $13, to victory for local trainer Russell Osborne.
It was the 20-year-old's third ride back this season and he said post-race he was feeling strong, both physically and mentally.
"It feels great," Brown said.
"I returned earlier than I expected to be honest.
"Initially I was taking a break, I was never going to give it away but that break could've taken a week, a year or two years.
"It took three months and now I feel great, I feel fit and I'm ready to go."
Brown opened up to Racing.com's Brent Zerafa in July, revealing the non-stop demands of life as an apprentice jockey had dented his passion for the sport.