JJ Hamblett, best known as a member of the boy band Union J, is making a return to competitive horse racing at 38 years old. The singer, who grew up in Newmarket, Suffolk, began his career as a jockey at 16 under trainer Sir Michael Stoute, earning 23 wins across five seasons before leaving the sport to pursue entertainment.
Hamblett described the decision to return to racing as completing a full circle moment in his life. He explained that while he enjoyed his music career with Union J, which gained prominence after finishing fourth on the ninth series of The X Factor, he had been missing the intensity and excitement of horse racing. His background in both fields stems from childhood passion—his father was a jockey, and Hamblett grew up around horses while also pursuing singing, which he documented on VHS tapes as a young person.
The performer will compete in The Leger Legends Classified Stakes, a race for former professional jockeys held at Doncaster Racecourse on 11 September. The event raises funds for charities supporting injured jockeys, including the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House. Hamblett has been training for the competition with John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket. Other experienced riders competing include Gary Bardwell, Sammy Jo Bell, Joe Fanning, and Andrew Tinkler. Prominent jockey Frankie Dettori, who resides in Suffolk, withdrew from the race following a vehicle accident that occurred earlier in the year.
Hamblett acknowledged that returning to racing after nearly two decades has proven challenging. He noted his height of 5 feet 9 inches presented a disadvantage for professional jockey work, as weight management had been difficult during his earlier career. Looking ahead, he indicated he does not plan to pursue racing full time but expressed interest in competing again if the opportunity arose. Additionally, Hamblett hinted at plans for Union J to reunite next year to mark the band’s 15th anniversary.
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