A former X Factor contestant and boy band member, JJ Hamblett, is making a return to horse racing for a charitable event, calling it a "full-circle moment." Hamblett, who grew up in Newmarket, Suffolk, once held a jockey licence and will compete in The Leger Legends race at Doncaster Racecourse on 11 September. The event brings together former professional jockeys and raises funds for charities like the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House, which support those in the racing community who have faced injury or hardship. Hamblett was part of the boy band Union J and has always had a passion for both music and horse racing. He started riding racehorses at 14 and earned his jockey licence at 16. He rode his first winner in 2005 and had 22 wins over five seasons before leaving the sport. After retiring from racing, he pursued a career in acting and joined a platform for creative professionals, where he met future bandmate Jaymi Hensley. Union J was originally formed as a trio called Triple J in 2011 before auditioning for The X Factor. As a jockey, Hamblett faced challenges with weight management, reaching 8st 9lb (55kg), and found it difficult to secure opportunities in the sport. He later transitioned to music, where he gained fame as part of Union J, which finished fourth on The X Factor under judge Louis Walsh after adding a fourth member, George Shelley, during the competition. Now, he is preparing for the Leger Legends race, trained by John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket. He will learn which horse he will ride on Monday but has said he does not plan to return to racing full-time, though he might defend the title if he wins. Other notable participants in the race include Gary Bardwell, Sammy Jo Bell, Joe Fanning, and Andrew Tinkler. Frankie Dettori, a well-known jockey based in Suffolk, had to withdraw after a car crash in July that left him with multiple broken ribs. Hamblett also hinted at a potential Union J reunion to celebrate the band's 15th anniversary, with plans to perform more shows and festivals next year.