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A former JRA representative explains, “If you’re living in Japan and open a racing paper, three key disciplines come up. Baseball is one, next is sumo, and the third is thoroughbred racing. We are always exposed to racing, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. The challenge and passion are palpable, especially the Arc quest as Japan has pursued victory for more than 50 years. I think that’s why the nation are emotionally invested.”

A Tradition of Hope

A multitude of devotees making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more tuning in back home, the season is here once again. Since Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th over five decades ago, another 32 attempted without success. At Longchamp, additional challengers – the latest hopefuls – will make the attempt.

As an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks, few stories compare globally. England fans could lament about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad boasts a World Cup win. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has expanded to become the wealthiest and top-performing in the world. Yet the result after enormous spending and millions of air miles are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa came up just short against the winner having led until the last moment.
• Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, nearly triumphed in 2006 though subsequently disqualified for banned medication.
• An unexpected challenger lost by a mere head Workforce.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead in the final stretch yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.

Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, during the event, have been factors in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to lightning-fast going domestically come unstuck on testing tracks typically found this time of year. However, Kusano believes it’s also part of a learning process. “For an owner taking a classic race, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ but sometimes it’s not the case since it appears comparable, but it’s a totally different game.

“Domestic tracks are very level with domestic runners developed into sprint specialists, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, as the turf seems perfect in reality, it feels different. This is why the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to select entrants able to handle variety and greater resilience.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking the latest entrants in the upcoming race experienced an almost French preparation: an extended midsummer break and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group that Japan has fielded in an Arc – four runners in 2022 placed apart further back – but it has an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters receive their due for their indefatigable devotion for these athletes.

“Fundamentally, wagering is limited across the country only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, among them horse racing,” he adds. “However, the JRA has succeeded of changing the image from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment for general audiences, and bonding people to the events uniquely to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners entering, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and the Middle East across various venues where conditions align, the Arc remains the elusive prize over many years.”