Hayley Turner is one of the most recognised names in British horse racing. Throughout her career, she achieved remarkable milestones and became an inspiration for women entering a traditionally male-dominated sport. However, beyond her professional achievements, many people are curious about her personal life, particularly her relationship with former Union J singer JJ Hamblett.
Interest in the pair has increased because they share a connection to horse racing, despite following different career paths. While Turner established herself as a successful jockey, Hamblett became famous through music and television before returning to his sporting interests.
Their relationship has attracted attention, although both have kept many personal details private. Here is what is publicly known about their backgrounds, relationship and shared interests.
Who Is Hayley Turner?
Hayley Turner was born on 3 January 1983 in the United Kingdom. She developed an interest in horse racing at a young age and began her professional riding career in 2000.
Her journey was not always easy. Female jockeys traditionally faced considerable challenges in gaining recognition and opportunities in the racing industry. However, Turner gradually established herself through determination, talent and consistent performances.
In 2005, she shared the British champion apprentice title. Three years later, she made history by becoming the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a British calendar year.
Her achievements continued with major victories, including the prestigious July Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes in 2011. She also became the first woman to win the July Cup outright.
In recognition of her contribution to horse racing, Turner received an OBE in 2016. Her achievements made her an important figure in British sporting history.
Who Is JJ Hamblett?
JJ Hamblett is a British singer best known as a member of the boy band Union J. The group became popular after appearing on the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012.
However, music was not his first professional interest. Hamblett originally pursued horse racing and worked as an apprentice jockey before entering the entertainment industry.
He grew up in Newmarket, a town closely associated with British horse racing. His early experience gave him an understanding of the sport before his career took a different direction.
After joining Union J, he gained recognition through television appearances, music releases and live performances. The group developed a loyal following and became a familiar name in British pop music.
Although entertainment became his main professional focus, his earlier connection to horse racing remained an important part of his background.
Are Hayley Turner and JJ Hamblett in a Relationship?
Yes. Hayley Turner and JJ Hamblett are publicly identified as partners. In an August 2026 interview, Hamblett referred to Turner as his partner.
Their relationship has attracted attention partly because both have experience in horse racing. Their shared interest provides an interesting connection between their professional and personal lives.
Hamblett has also spoken positively about Turner’s support during his return to competitive riding. Her experience as a professional jockey has helped him prepare for the physical and practical demands of returning to the saddle.
Although their relationship is publicly acknowledged, they have generally avoided sharing extensive details about their private lives.
How Did They Meet?
Many readers are interested in knowing how Turner and Hamblett first met. However, the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been clearly established through reliable public reporting.
Both have strong connections to Newmarket and the British racing community. Turner spent much of her professional career competing in major races, while Hamblett began his working life as an apprentice jockey.
Their shared background makes their connection understandable, but there is no need to assume a particular meeting story without confirmation.
What is clear is that horse racing remains an important common interest in their relationship.
Their Shared Passion for Horse Racing
Horse racing has played an important role in both individuals’ lives.
Turner spent approximately 25 years competing professionally and became one of Britain’s most successful female jockeys. Her experience included major races, international competitions and working with respected trainers.
Hamblett also has an interesting racing background. He began working with Sir Michael Stoute’s racing operation at the age of 14 and rode 23 winners as an apprentice.
Although he eventually left the sport to pursue music, his interest in horses never completely disappeared.
Their shared understanding of racing has provided common ground. Turner’s professional knowledge and Hamblett’s earlier experience give them an appreciation of the discipline and preparation required in competitive riding.
JJ Hamblett’s Return to Horse Racing
One of the most interesting developments in Hamblett’s recent life was his decision to return to horse racing after approximately 15 years away from competitive riding.
In 2026, he began preparing for the Leger Legends Charity Race at Doncaster. The event brings together former jockeys and supports the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Returning to riding required considerable preparation. Hamblett explained that the physical demands were more challenging than he initially expected.
Turner played a supportive role during his preparations. She helped him organise his training schedule and offered advice based on her years of professional experience.
She also lent him a saddle that she had previously used, including during her historic 2011 July Cup victory on Dream Ahead.
This detail attracted attention because it connected one of Turner’s greatest professional achievements with Hamblett’s attempt to return to the sport.
Hayley Turner’s Pregnancy and Family Life
In April 2025, Turner announced her retirement from professional race riding and revealed that she was expecting her first child in October of that year.
The announcement marked an important personal milestone and attracted considerable attention from racing supporters.
Turner explained that motherhood was something she had been planning for some time. She also expressed happiness about beginning a new chapter away from the demands of professional racing.
Her announcement was particularly significant because it came after a career lasting approximately 25 years.
Although she shared her pregnancy news publicly, she has generally maintained privacy around her family circumstances. Readers should distinguish between confirmed announcements and details that have not been independently established.
Hayley Turner’s Retirement
Turner announced her retirement in April 2025, bringing an end to an outstanding career in British horse racing.
Her final victory came aboard Spirit of Jura at Southwell on 2 April 2025. Interestingly, Southwell was also where she made her first racecourse appearance in March 2000.
During her career, she achieved more than 1,000 British winners and secured several important victories.
Her success in the July Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes in 2011 remains particularly memorable. These achievements demonstrated her ability to compete successfully at the highest level.
Turner had previously retired in 2015 but returned to professional racing in 2018. Her final retirement marked the conclusion of a career that had inspired many younger jockeys.
JJ Hamblett’s Life Beyond Union J
Hamblett’s career changed considerably after joining Union J.
The group gained recognition through The X Factor in 2012 and subsequently enjoyed success with music releases, television appearances and live performances.
Moving from horse racing into entertainment required him to develop different skills. Instead of focusing on riding and physical preparation, he became involved in music, performance and public appearances.
His return to horse racing in 2026 demonstrated that his earlier sporting interests remained important to him.
His journey between two very different professional industries makes his background particularly interesting.
Where Are They Now?
As of November 2026, Turner and Hamblett remain connected through their shared interest in horse racing.
Turner has stepped away from professional competition after an exceptional career. Her experience and achievements continue to make her an important figure in British racing.
Hamblett has explored a return to competitive riding while maintaining his connection to the entertainment industry.
Their relationship has also attracted attention because of their mutual interest in horses and their relatively private approach to personal matters.
Conclusion
Hayley Turner and JJ Hamblett are partners, and their relationship has been acknowledged in public reporting. Their shared connection to horse racing is an important part of their story, even though their professional journeys have taken different directions.
Turner became one of Britain’s most successful female jockeys, while Hamblett achieved recognition through Union J before reconnecting with his early passion for racing.
Although they have not shared every detail of their personal lives, their public connection and mutual interest in horse racing provide an interesting picture of their relationship.
Ultimately, Turner’s sporting achievements and Hamblett’s journey between music and racing make their individual stories worth exploring beyond their relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayley Turner in a relationship with JJ Hamblett?
Yes. Hamblett referred to Turner as his partner in an August 2026 interview.
Who is JJ Hamblett?
He is a British singer and former member of Union J. Before entering music, he worked as an apprentice jockey.
How did Hayley Turner and JJ Hamblett meet?
The exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been publicly confirmed.
Does Hayley Turner have a child?
She announced in April 2025 that she was expecting her first child in October 2025.
When did Hayley Turner retire?
She announced her retirement in April 2025 after approximately 25 years in professional horse racing.
Is JJ Hamblett still involved in horse racing?
He returned to riding in 2026 and prepared for the Leger Legends Charity Race at Doncaster.
