AN assistant trainer at Ruth Carr’s stable, in Sinnington, is on an eight-week scholarship in America.

Ryan Colley, 22, is in the USA as the first representative of the Northern Racing College (NRC), in Doncaster, to take part in a new international scholarship.

Under a scheme introduced this year by the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), he is based in Lexington, Kentucky, studying the work of raceday officials, with particular emphasis on the role of the starter and his team.

Ryan, who is providing reports on the venture for the NRC and the Carr stable’s monthly newsletter, said: "I'm really enjoying my time out here. I'm spending mornings at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, working under the direction of Joe Heet, who is the head starter with more than 30 years of experience.

"How quickly a horse can break from the gate is a very important part of the race and that seems to be emphasised over here."

His afternoons are spent at the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) offices.

He said: "There I am studying American racing rules and regulations to gain a better knowledge of how the racing differs in comparison to the UK. This will also help me when I take my two-day certificate course at the end of the month in Texas. I hope this will give me the education to help me become a starter in the UK."

Ryan, from York, had never ridden before he attended the 12-week NRC foundation course on leaving school. He completed his training qualifications through the college while working for trainers James Given, Alan King and Willie Mullins, before joining Mrs Carr, for whom he has ridden two winners from eight rides as an amateur.

However, at more than 1.8 metres tall Ryan’s riding career was always destined to be short, and he has instead set his sights on becoming a raceday official.

"My ambition is to become a starter in the UK and the experience I gain in America could provide me with a valuable foot in the door," he said.

NRC chief executive Stephen Padgett said: "The scholarships are a tremendous new initiative and, as one of the first to be awarded, this is a great opportunity for Ryan, who will be an excellent ambassador for the college."

The IFHRA scholarships are funded by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, which is based in Abu Dhabi, and Ryan’s programme has been arranged by Remi Bellocq, executive director of the North American Racing Academy.