A compelling new documentary is in production, focusing on the extraordinary journey of former British professional jockey Jo Lodder. This film will capture his ambitious plan to traverse all 59 licensed racecourses across the United Kingdom in an unbroken run this autumn. Beyond the physical feat, Lodder’s endeavor is deeply rooted in philanthropy, seeking to raise both financial support and public awareness for mental health and welfare charities within the horse racing community.
Jo Lodder, who now resides in Hong Kong, enjoyed a successful decade-long career as a professional jockey, competing throughout the U.K. and Europe. His career was prematurely cut short in his late twenties due to a severe back injury. Despite this setback, Lodder discovered a new passion in ultra-distance running, participating in numerous significant long-distance events globally, demonstrating remarkable resilience and an enduring athletic spirit.
The documentary project is being spearheaded by Hiu Man Chan, operating through the U.K.-China Film Collab. This collaborative effort will intricately weave together contemporary footage captured during Lodder's challenging run with historical racing archives. Additionally, the film will feature in-depth interviews with Lodder himself and various influential personalities from the world of horse racing, offering a comprehensive perspective on his life and mission. The U.K.-China Film Collab, known for its previous work on the Hong Kong documentary “Four Trails,” intends to implement a strategic release plan, targeting film festivals and cross-border markets, with a particular focus on audiences in the U.K., Hong Kong, and internationally.
Lodder shared his personal motivation, stating that his injury forced him away from racing, causing him to retreat from the public eye. However, he has since come to appreciate the incredible support system within the racing community. His desire is to give back by undertaking this challenge, sharing the stories of the people involved, and assisting those often overlooked yet crucial to the sport. Hiu Man Chan, the producer, expressed immediate interest upon hearing Lodder's story, recognizing its cinematic potential. Chan believes that profound impacts often stem from an individual's intense and inexplicable passion, and that such extraordinary imagination and occasional madness can inspire future generations to introspect and question life. With a similar drive, Chan hopes to translate Lodder’s inspiring journey into a powerful cinematic experience.
This isn't Lodder's first foray into documentary subjects. In 2025, he was featured in “Run China Run,” a film that chronicled his team’s epic 3,140-kilometer foot journey from the Great Wall of China to Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, completed over 60 days. The conceptualization of the current project blossomed from discussions held at the U.K. Film Pavilion during FilMart 2026 in Hong Kong, highlighting the international interest and collaborative spirit surrounding Lodder’s inspiring story.
This upcoming documentary promises to be an inspiring narrative of perseverance, philanthropy, and the enduring human spirit. It highlights Jo Lodder's transition from a professional jockey whose career was cut short by injury, to an ultra-distance runner embarking on a monumental challenge. The film will not only showcase his physical feat of running all 59 U.K. racecourses but also his profound commitment to supporting the mental health and welfare of the racing community, all brought to life through a unique U.K.-China film collaboration.
