But 23 wins later, the 17-year-old is almost at the quarter-century mark, and seven wins away from dropping his apprentice claim down to 2kg.
''I started the season on zero, so I haven't had much of a goal - just try and keep my head down and get as many as I can get, so it's pretty satisfying,'' Lowry said.
''There's an old saying you're only as good as the horses you are on and there are a couple I've been lucky to get on. But you've just got to make the best of your opportunities.''
He could creep closer to those two milestones at Oamaru tomorrow, as he rides a mixture of wily campaigners and inexperienced youngsters at the club's feature meeting.
One of those more canny gallopers is Jack's Run in the $25,000 Waitaki River Trophy 1200m open handicap.
The small field should mean Lowry can avoid the bad luck that beset Jack's Run at Ashburton on July 3 on his way to a third placing.
''He got tightened up which stopped his momentum,'' Lowry said.
''It was a good run but I don't know if he would have run second or first.''
''He's much better in the wet, so hopefully, we get a bit of wetter ground.''
Some moisture is a possibility, as MetService has forecast sleety showers for Oamaru today and some showers lingering tomorrow. The track was rated as dead5 yesterday afternoon.
''If that comes around, he might be competitive in the race.''
A softer track would also suit the Joanne Hillis-trained Agnus Brown who is fresh-up in a rating 65 1200m.
Agnus Brown's two wins have come on heavy tracks, and Lowry can also use an inside draw of barrier 3 to put the mare on the speed.
''It's a big help, especially around Oamaru as it's a quick run into that corner - it's a big asset when you're drawn in like that.''
Forever Vital (race 10) will be suited if the rain makes little difference to the track, having won three times on a dead track.
''Her work was very good this morning and gives me a lot of confidence going in to Sunday,'' he said.
She will carry 54kg after Lowry's 3kg claim is taken into account, and is a good chance despite her draw of 11.
''As a mare, a lot of them can't carry weight - she doesn't go too bad, but 3kg off really helps.
''Natkingcole will be straight to the lead and we'll work around them - we'll just play it by ear.''
Lowry partners two first-starters from the Brian and Shane Anderton team - Too Curious (race 1) and Willow (race 3) - and Preferred Flight (race 2), who had just one start as an early 3yr-old.
''We've been happy with their work so going forward, hopefully one of them can pull one out of the hat.''
Willow, a 2yr-old Gallant Guru filly, might also benefit from a rain-affected track, Lowry said.
''A wet track would be right up her alley and she's strengthened up since her last time in and we're looking for a good run.''
