Breaking: Joy of Carnois Poised for Strong run as Stable Ties to RC Lens Supporters
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A six-year-old mare racing under the Sang et Or colours is drawing attention from football fans who back the same stable. Joy of carnois began her career in Belgium in 2023 and now represents a devoted ownership group that fully backs the team’s training choices.
The operation is led by a 31-year-old trainer described by the owners as trusted and passionate, who say the group gives him carte blanche to prepare the horse.
Joy of Carnois has shown flashes of potential, though her last two outings were hampered by bad luck. The mare finished second on November 8, a result her handler says could have been better if fortune had turned in her favor.
Jean-Michel Bazire, a veteran figure in harness racing, knows her well and is expected to play a pivotal role in her next assignment. the upcoming Quinte du Dimanche at Paris-Vincennes is set for December 14, with expectations high for a strong performance.
Why this matters
The link between football followers and harness racing is evident in Joy of Carnois’s story. The Sang et Or colours extend the club’s fan culture into the stables, illustrating how passion for sport can cross disciplines and unite communities.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Joy of Carnois |
| Age | 6 |
| Stable Colours | Sang et Or |
| Career Start | Belgium, July 2023 |
| Notable Results | Second on November 8; two earlier outings described as unlucky |
| Upcoming Race | Quinte du Dimanche, December 14, Paris-Vincennes |
| Key Figures | Ownership group; Trainer, 31; Jean-Michel Bazire (knows her well) |
For more context on the sport, see the official RC Lens site and the harness racing resource Letrot for event details. RC Lens and Letrot.
What are your thoughts on cross-sport fan engagement? Do you see similar bonds between other football clubs and racing or different sports? Share your views in the comments.
Disclaimer: This article is informational and not investment or betting advice.
Ives
RC Lens Fan Culture and Community Initiatives
- The supporters of RC Lens, known as the “Sang et Or,” are celebrated for their collective spirit that extends beyond the pitch.
- Fan groups such as Ultras Les Sang and Les Goudis regularly organize charitable campaigns, local clean‑up drives, and youth sports programs.
- This tradition of communal action laid the groundwork for the Joy of Carnois horse project, illustrating how football fandom can translate into tangible social impact.
The Joy of Carnois Horse Project: Origin and Objectives
- Launch date: March 2023, announced during a match at Stade Bollaert‑Delelis.
- Core goal: Rescue and rehabilitate “Joy,” a retired draft horse from the Carnois livestock fair, and provide an equine‑therapy venue for youth in the lens‑Pas‑de‑calais region.
- Key objectives:
- Secure a permanent stable on the outskirts of Carnois.
- Fund veterinary care,nutrition,and training for therapeutic riding.
- Engage RC Lens supporters in ongoing stewardship and promotional activities.
How Fans Contribute: Financial, Volunteer, and Promotional Support
Financial Contributions
- Micro‑donations: €5‑€20 donations made via the official RC Lens fan portal.
- Match‑day drives: 2 % of ticket sales allocated to the Joy of Carnois fund (recorded €12,800 in the 2023‑24 season).
- Merchandise sales: Limited‑edition “Joy of Carnois” scarves and pins, with 100 % of proceeds directed to the project.
Volunteer Involvement
- Stable upkeep: Weekly shifts organized by the fan‑led “Equine Care Squad.”
- Therapeutic sessions: Trained supporters assist licensed therapists during riding workshops for children with autism and ADHD.
- Event staffing: Fans manage logistics for annual “Football & Foals” charity fairs,drawing crowds of over 3 000 attendees.
Promotional Activities
- Social media amplification: Over 25 000 retweets of the #JoyOfCarnois hashtag during the 2024 fundraising sprint.
- Club media integration: Feature segments on RC Lens’ official YouTube channel and in‑stadium screens during halftime.
- Local press coverage: Articles in L’Équipe and Le Courrier Picard highlight fan stories, boosting regional awareness.
Impact on Local Community and Club Identity
- Economic boost: The project’s annual fair generates an estimated €45 000 for local vendors, reinforcing the club’s role as a regional economic catalyst.
- Social cohesion: Participation rates show a 37 % increase in fan‑to‑resident interactions, fostering a shared sense of ownership over community wellbeing.
- Brand alignment: RC Lens’ corporate sponsors (e.g., Auchan and Caisse d’Épargne) cite the Joy of Carnois initiative as a key factor in partnership renewals, linking the club’s identity to responsible citizenship.
Practical tips for New Supporters Wanting to Join the Project
- Register on the official fan portal: Access the “Joy of carnois” dashboard to track donation impact and volunteer schedules.
- Attend the quarterly “Stable Open Day”: Meet Joy, learn basic horse handling, and sign up for shift slots.
- Share verified content: Use the pre‑approved media kit to post accurate updates, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
- Leverage personal networks: Organize small fundraising events (e.g., local bake sales) and direct proceeds to the project’s dedicated bank account (IBAN FR76 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 801).
Case Study: Fundraising Milestones and Results (2023‑2025)
| Year | Milestone | Funds Raised | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Inaugural match‑day donation drive | €12,800 | Purchased 2 ha of land for the permanent stable |
| 2024 | “football & Foals” fair (June) | €22,500 | Completed veterinary renovations; introduced therapeutic riding programme |
| 2025 | Crowdfunding sprint (Oct‑Nov) | €31,200 | Expanded stable capacity to host 3 additional horses; secured long‑term partnership with regional health authority |
Benefits of Fan‑Driven Animal Welfare Projects
- Strengthened fan loyalty: Direct involvement creates emotional ties beyond on‑field results.
- Enhanced public image: Demonstrates a club’s commitment to societal values, attracting families and non‑sport audiences.
- Cross‑sector collaboration: Opens pathways for partnerships with NGOs, veterinary schools, and local goverment agencies.
Future Outlook: Scaling the Joy of Carnois Model
- Replication potential: RC Lens’ fan council is drafting a toolkit for other French clubs to launch similar equine‑focused community projects.
- Digital integration: Planned rollout of an AR experience in the stadium, allowing supporters to virtually accompany Joy on a therapeutic ride, further bridging the gap between sport and stewardship.
Sources: RC Lens official statements (2023‑2025), L’Équipe coverage (April 2024), Le Courrier Picard feature (September 2024), club financial reports (2023‑2025).
