Union J's JJ Hamblett Returns to Horse Racing for Leger Legends
On 11 September, JJ Hamblett, known for his time on X Factor and as a member of Union J, will make a comeback to horse racing at Doncaster Racecourse for The Leger Legends race. Hamblett, who grew up in Newmarket, Suffolk, obtained his jockey licence at the age of 16 and began competing in 2005 at Doncaster, achieving 23 victories over five seasons with Sir Michael Stoute. At 38, he described his return as a 'full-circle moment.' After facing challenges with weight and limited opportunities, he left racing to pursue acting. Union J, formed in 2011, is planning a reunion for its 15th anniversary. The event benefits charities such as the Injured Jockeys Fund, with participants including Gary Bardwell and Sammy Jo Bell; Frankie Dettori withdrew following a car accident in July.
Key facts
- JJ Hamblett, former Union J member, returns to horse racing at Doncaster Racecourse on 11 September.
- He gained his jockey licence at 16 and rode his first winner in 2005.
- He had 22 wins over five seasons under Sir Michael Stoute.
- Hamblett grew up in Newmarket, Suffolk, and started riding racehorses at 14.
- He left racing due to weight struggles and limited opportunities.
- Union J formed in 2011 as Triple J and finished fourth on The X Factor in 2012.
- The Leger Legends race raises money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House.
- Frankie Dettori pulled out due to injuries from a car crash in July.
- Hamblett is training with John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables.
- Union J plans a reunion for its 15th anniversary next year.
Entities
Artists
- JJ Hamblett
- Jaymi Hensley
- George Shelley
- Louis Walsh
- Sir Michael Stoute
- John Gosden
- Thady Gosden
- Frankie Dettori
- Gary Bardwell
- Sammy Jo Bell
- Joe Fanning
- Andrew Tinkler
Institutions
- Union J
- The X Factor
- Doncaster Racecourse
- Injured Jockeys Fund
- Jack Berry House
- Clarehaven Stables
- BBC
Locations
- Newmarket
- Suffolk
- Doncaster
- Scotland