RC Lens Fans Field a Contender: Football Passion Fuels Horse Racing Ambition
A unique intersection of sports fandom is unfolding in the world of horse racing, as a stable linked to supporters of Ligue 1’s RC Lens aims for success with their mare, Joy of Carnois. The connection highlights the growing trend of cross-sport enthusiasm and the power of passionate ownership.
The stable, known as “Sang et Or” – a nod to RC Lens’s iconic colors – has drawn attention for its clear allegiance to the football club. “They are indeed supporters of RC Lens,” confirmed Charley Mottier, who oversees the career of Joy of Carnois (No. 12) since July 2023.
From Belgium to the Forefront
Joy of Carnois, a 6-year-old mare, began her racing career in Belgium before transitioning to the guidance of a young, 31-year-old trainer. The ownership group, which includes Mathieu Varin, has fostered a collaborative environment. “It’s a nice ownership team,” Mottier stated. “Like Mathieu Varin, I took part with them, because they are passionate people who trust me completely and give me carte blanche.”
This trust and support have already yielded positive results, with Joy of Carnois bringing “great satisfaction” to the team. However, recent races haven’t gone entirely as planned.
Unlucky Runs and a Veteran Driver
Despite promising performances, luck hasn’t been on Joy of Carnois’s side in her last two outings. According to her trainer, “She was really unlucky, because she could have obtained a better ranking each time, even during her second place on November 8.”
Looking ahead, the team is optimistic about Joy of Carnois’s prospects with veteran driver Jean-Michel Bazire at the reins. “She finds Jean-Michel Bazire who knows her well, so I hope to see her put in a good performance,” Mottier concluded. The combination of passionate ownership, a talented driver, and a determined mare sets the stage for an exciting future for “Sang et Or” in the world of horse racing.
