Born in Hindhead, Surrey, he was best known by his middle name, Ryan. He began his career in horse racing as a jockey based at East Lavant in West Sussex. In 1937, he relocated to Sutton Bank in Yorkshire where he began working as a trainer. His career was interrupted by service with the British Army, during World War II. Serving with the 7th Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment, he was moved to the No.6 Commando for D-Day. During the 6 June 1944 landing, his Craft LCI(S) No.502 was hit by German shelling as it approached the Normandy beach but he managed to swim to shore and continued with the mission.