Ryan Moore has become the youngest amateur rider to represent Britain in an amateurs' race in France.

The 17-year-old son of Brighton trainer Gary rode Chica Field in the Richmond-Brissac Trophy at Angers in western France and, although he wasn't placed, is looking forward to a ride at Baden Baden in Germany on May 19.

He said: "I was away for three days and the trip was a great experience.

"In France, the tactics are very different from over here. They go a slower pace early on and really quicken up in the straight.

"I rode to orders and, although I was well placed turning for home, my horse hadn't the speed to pick up. Maybe next time I will ride my own race. I certainly hope to do better in Germany."

Ryan is likely to delay plans to turn professional this summer as he will probably have the opportunity to be Britain's representative in the international series of amateur races throughout Europe.

He said: "The standard of the amateurs in France anyway is definitely higher than in England and I know I can learn a great deal from riding in their races."

Ryan travelled to France with Gloucestershire trainer and amateur rider Dr Philip Pritchard, who rode in two races at Compiegne.

Dr Pritchard said: "I think Ryan was impressed with the fences on the cross-country course at Compiegne.

"It was quite an eye-opener for him as it was his first visit to a French racecourse."

Meanwhile, Ben Hitchcott, equal with 22 winners with Tom Scudamore, saw his chances of the amateur riders' championship fade when he suffered a broken left collarbone at Exeter.

His mount, Real Value, fell at the tenth fence of the Winton Bloodstock Chase. Ben, based at Robertsbridge, was taken to hospital in Exeter for X-rays where the injury was confirmed.

The 19-year-old will be out of the saddle for about two weeks, which leaves him only a fortnight to draw ahead of Scudamore. There is also the possibility that the two amateurs will agree to share the title and both turn professional at the same time.