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Kanichi Kusano notes, “If you’re living in Japan and pick up a sports newspaper, the top three activities appear. Baseball is one, next is sumo, and the other one is the sport of kings. Racing is ever-present, and these athletes are stunning. It’s full of excitement and allure, and a challenge to the Arc as Japan has pursued victory for over five decades. This is the reason Japanese people are deeply connected.”

A Tradition of Hope

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance along with many more watching from Japan, it is that time annually. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th back in 1969, another 32 have tried and failed. This year, another trio – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.

A prime instance of determination in the face of repeated setbacks, few stories compare in international sport. Supporters of England could lament about 59 years of hurt, but the national team can claim a global title. Over the last 30 years, Japanese horse racing has developed to become the richest and most successful globally. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a string of frustrating outcomes.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• A 1999 runner was narrowly defeated by Montjeu after leading until the last moment.
• A national icon, who drew tens of thousands, was less than a length behind in 2006 before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger lost by a mere head Workforce.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead a furlong out then drifted and was chased down by Solemia.

Bad ground along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Entrants familiar with lightning-fast going domestically often struggle on testing tracks common in Paris this time of year. An expert perspective suggests it was an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner taking a classic race, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ yet that isn’t true while it seems alike, but it’s a totally different game.

“Racing surfaces in Japan are very level with domestic runners developed into sprint specialists, abroad, you need an SUV, since the ground looks green and smooth in reality, it feels different. Hence trainers and owners have adapted their approach to prepare runners suited to firm conditions and greater resilience.

Current Contenders

Interestingly this year’s trio for this year’s Arc experienced a typically French preparation: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. This isn’t the most numerous group previously entered overseas – several in the past placed apart further back – but it has an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims celebrate at last for unwavering support to their equine heroes.

“Fundamentally, gambling is prohibited nationally only a handful of permitted activities, among them the turf,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has worked effectively to reshape perceptions from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts with the sport distinctly to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses entering, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Success abroad and Dubai and most places with similar surfaces, and this is the box the elusive prize for decades.”