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Kanichi Kusano notes, “If you’re living in Japan and pick up a racing paper, three key disciplines appear. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the final one is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for over five decades. I think that’s why the nation are deeply connected.”

A Tradition of Hope

For thousands of Japanese racing fans making the 12,000-mile round trip plus additional viewers watching from Japan, the moment has arrived once again. Ever since the first entrant, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, came in 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others sought victory in vain. This year, another trio – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.

One standout case of unwavering effort despite heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. England fans could lament regarding their own drought, but the national team can claim a global title. Over the last 30 years, the nation’s turf sport has developed as the leading and most lucrative internationally. Yet the result for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a series of frustrating outcomes.

Bitter Defeats

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind the champion having led until the last moment.
• Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind that year though subsequently disqualified over a drug violation.
• Nakayama Festa was just a head behind the victor.
• Orfevre sprinted ahead with a furlong to go yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.

Heavy going combined with misfortune, during the event, have contributed in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Entrants familiar with firm turf in Japan often struggle on testing tracks that generally prevails at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, normally they will think: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“The Japanese turf tend to be uniform and the Japanese horses developed into like a Formula One car, but in Europe, you need an SUV, since the ground appears pristine in reality, it’s totally different. And that’s why trainers and owners have adapted their approach to select entrants able to handle variety with added stamina.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking the latest entrants set to compete experienced a typically French preparation: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. This isn’t the most numerous group that Japan has fielded in an Arc – several in the past finished widely in the lower positions – however, there is notable depth.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans receive their due after years of loyalty behind their stars.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted in Japan with just four authorized betting sports, including the turf,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has worked effectively in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport as a multifaceted spectacle that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to the events uniquely to other countries.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, as top competitors entering, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East across various venues where conditions align, the Arc remains the final goal over many years.”