Union J's JJ Hamblett returns to racing at Doncaster — SkimNews
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- JJ Hamblett, former Union J singer and X Factor series 9 finalist (finished fourth under Louis Walsh), will ride in The Leger Legends Classified Stakes at Doncaster on 11 September — the same course where he made his first competitive appearance in 2005.
- Hamblett grew up in Newmarket, Suffolk, the son of a jockey, and became an apprentice at 16 under champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute, riding 22 winners over five seasons before pivoting to music and acting.
- The Leger Legends race is restricted to ex-professional jockeys and raises money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House; fellow entrants include Gary Bardwell, Sammy Jo Bell, Joe Fanning and Andrew Tinkler.
- Frankie Dettori, a Suffolk resident who was also expected to ride, withdrew after a July car crash left him with several broken ribs.
- Hamblett has been preparing at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket under trainers John and Thady Gosden and said he will discover which horse he rides on Monday.
- The singer said he has no plans to return to racing full time but wants to defend the title if he wins or re-enter if he doesn't, and hinted Union J would reunite for more shows and festivals in 2025 to mark the band's 15th anniversary.
Why it matters: Hamblett's entry gives the Leger Legends — a charity fundraiser for injured jockeys — a built-in publicity draw from his X Factor fanbase, while his Doncaster return closes a loop from his 2005 debut. The withdrawal of Frankie Dettori removes the race's highest-profile draw, making Hamblett one of the more recognizable names on the card.
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