Former jockey-turned-singer Jamie ‘JJ’ Hamblett is preparing to return to the saddle at Doncaster next month, more than 15 years after stepping away from horse racing due to weight struggles, according to interviews published by the Racing Post. The 38-year-old former Union J pop star, who rode 23 winners during an apprenticeship with Sir Michael Stoute, is currently undertaking morning gallops at Warren Hill and Clarehaven to prepare for the charity Leger Legends contest on September 11.
The Physical Toll of Returning to Newmarket Gallops
Riding a thoroughbred at speeds exceeding 30mph has exposed a stark fitness gap despite Hamblett’s regular gym routine and running schedule, as reported by the Racing Post. Hamblett stated that he could not walk for two days following his first gallop back, noting that the sport uses muscles untouched in daily life. Additional coverage from Europe Says notes that the physical strain initially targeted his back and neck before shifting to his legs during a gallop on the Al Bahathri.
Did you know? Before joining the pop band that later became Union J, Hamblett rode out for trainer John Gosden in the mornings while undergoing the audition and boot camp process for The X Factor.
From Freemason Lodge to X Factor Stardom
Born and raised in Newmarket, Hamblett followed his father Paul and brother Ashley into racing before joining Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge at age 14, according to the Racing Post. During his five-year stint with a licence, he was tasked with looking after Notnowcato, a lazy horse nobody else wanted that ultimately secured three Group 1 victories. Stoute’s training yard routines included a distinct humming noise from the trainer that alerted horses to his arrival. Hamblett eventually surrendered his licence when managing his weight became unsustainable alongside sporadic race rides.
Transitioning to entertainment, Hamblett connected with Jaymi Hensley through London auditions before forming a band that entered The X Factor process. After an initial boot camp elimination and subsequent return, the group rebranded as Union J, releasing four UK top ten singles, producing albums and touring extensively before Hamblett pursued film acting.
Parallels Between Pop Music and Professional Horse Racing
According to Hamblett, the entertainment industry shares a fundamental common denominator with the racing world: adrenaline. Chasing the rush of crossing a winning line mirrors the emotional high of performing in front of stadium crowds. Despite experiencing the intense travel schedule of a pop star, Hamblett observed that modern jockeys operate on an entirely different level of physical endurance, noting that a recent fitness workout alongside Billy Loughnane left him struggling to breathe.
Hamblett’s comeback preparation has been aided by partner Hayley Turner, who designed a training schedule, lent him the saddle she used to win the July Cup, and encouraged balance between riding work, Equicizer training, and facilities at the Injured Jockeys Fund. Robert Havlin and the staff at Gosden’s Clarehaven yard have also assisted his retraining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did JJ Hamblett stop racing originally?
According to the Racing Post, Hamblett stopped race-riding because weight management became too difficult without a regular schedule of weekly rides.
When and where is JJ Hamblett’s return race taking place?
Hamblett is scheduled to compete in the Leger Legends charity race at Doncaster on September 11, riding over the same mile distance where he had his first ever ride for Sir Michael Stoute two decades prior.
What band was JJ Hamblett in?
Hamblett was a member of the boy band Union J, which formed during The X Factor and achieved four UK top ten singles.
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