Diabetic teenage jockey takes first win on 20-1 shot
The first diabetic jockey to be given an unrestricted licence has ridden his first point-to-point winner.
Hector Barr, 17, partnered Finnegan’s Hollow to victory in a novice riders’ race at the Dunston Harriers’ fixture at Ampton on 14 January.
This was Hector’s ninth ride of his pointing career, having convinced the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to give him a point-to-point permit, with no restrictions, in March last year.
Hector is a type one diabetic and with the help of Dr Ian Gallen, a diabetologist specialising in athletes, and the BHA medical department, he was passed fit to ride and given his point-to-point licence.
Diabetic jockeys have previously been allowed to race, but were restricted to one point-to-point ride per meeting. However, Hector’s permit has no restrictions.
The nine-year-old brown gelding set off at 20-1 following a disappointing performance at Larkhill the previous week.
“It was absolutely brilliant — very unexpected but I’m very happy,” Hector told H&H.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“We ran him in the men’s open at Larkhill and that didn’t suit him at all, I ended up pulling him up on the last circuit.”
He explained the gelding had plenty of energy and “hadn’t had a hard race” so they decided to reroute him to Ampton to see if a change of course and race would suit him — which it did.
Article continues below…
You might also be interested in:
First type 1 diabetic given go-ahead to race
“We are very grateful to all at BHA and at Colchester General Hospital who have helped to make this happen”
Five winners in one day for leading lady rider
Gina Andrews told H&H she is "on top of the world" after riding five winners in one day in front
“I knew he was a really good jumper and he just kept on going and suddenly we were in front,” said Hector.
“On the last circuit he had this final burst of energy — I didn’t think I was going to win until three out and thought ‘bloody hell, I’m going to do this’.”
The horse is trained by Hector’s father, Stephen, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes aged 29, bringing an end to his race-riding career.
The nine-year-old gelding, by Indian River, came over from Ireland last year.
He had success between the flags and ran several times over hurdles before arriving in Britain. The horse is now being aimed for the Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chace fixture at Horseheath on 4 February.
“He is very cheeky!” said Hector, explaining he can be sharp at home. “I think that’s why I get on with him so well.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.