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An industry expert explains, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a sports newspaper, three key disciplines come up. One is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. The challenge and passion are palpable, especially the Arc quest because we’ve been trying to win for half a century. I think that’s why the nation are emotionally invested.”

Annual Pilgrimage

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance plus additional viewers following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived once again. Ever since the first entrant, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, came in 11th in 1969, 32 more attempted without success. This year, additional challengers – the latest hopefuls – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of persistence despite repeated setbacks, few stories compare globally. England fans might complain over decades of disappointment, but the national team does at least have a major trophy. Since the 1990s, the nation’s turf sport has grown into the richest and most successful internationally. Yet the result after enormous spending and millions of air miles are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Bitter Defeats

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by Montjeu while in front to the final strides.
• A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, was less than a length behind in 2006 later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
• Nakayama Festa was just a head behind the winning horse.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead in the final stretch but wandered and was chased down by Solemia.

Heavy going and bad luck, during the event, have been factors in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with lightning-fast going domestically come unstuck on the deep ground typically found during the Arc. Kusano, though thinks it has also been part of a learning process. “If you are an owner victorious in the Derby, normally they will think: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ yet that isn’t true while it seems alike, the challenges are unique.

“The Japanese turf tend to be uniform and local thoroughbreds developed into precision machines, abroad, more versatile athletes, since the ground looks green and smooth but when you walk on it, it feels different. And that’s why racing teams have adapted their approach to select entrants able to handle variety and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

It is certainly striking this year’s trio in the upcoming race underwent what could be described as French preparation: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. It is not the biggest team ever sent overseas – four runners in 2022 finished widely among the also-rans – but it has an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters receive their due for unwavering support for these athletes.

“Fundamentally, gambling is prohibited across the country and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, among them horse racing,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has done a very good job in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment for general audiences, connecting fans with the sport distinctly internationally.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, with elite runners lining up, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and Dubai across various venues with similar surfaces, this trophy is the elusive prize over many years.”