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A former JRA representative explains, “If you’re living in Japan and read a sports newspaper, three key disciplines are featured. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the other one is thoroughbred racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and the horses are magnificent. It’s full of excitement and allure, with the Arc as the ultimate goal as Japan has pursued victory for half a century. I think that’s why the nation are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip along with many more watching from Japan, the season is here once again. Beginning with Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, finished 11th back in 1969, three dozen others have tried and failed. At Longchamp, additional challengers – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will take their shot.

As an example of determination amid repeated setbacks, there is little to match it across sports. British followers might complain 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 to become the richest and most successful in the world. Yet the result after enormous spending and millions of air miles are numerous of painful near-misses.

Close Calls

• El Condor Pasa came up just short against Montjeu after leading near the finish.
• A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, was less than a length behind in 2006 before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger was narrowly beaten by the victor.
• Perhaps the most painful took command with a furlong to go but wandered and was chased down by Solemia.

Heavy going and bad luck, during the event, have both played a part in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Runners used to firm turf at home often struggle in softer conditions that generally prevails during the Arc. Kusano, though thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform with domestic runners are trained to become precision machines, but in Europe, you need an SUV, as the turf seems perfect but when you walk on it, it’s totally different. And that’s why trainers and owners have researched extensively to prepare runners suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

Notably the latest entrants in the upcoming race experienced a typically European training regimen: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. While not the largest squad ever sent overseas – several in the past placed apart among the also-rans – yet they possess impressive quality.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for unwavering support to their equine heroes.

“Basically, wagering is limited across the country only a handful of permitted activities, among them the turf,” he adds. “But the Japan Racing Association has worked effectively to reshape perceptions away from mere gambling into a broader entertainment accessible to all, connecting fans to the events uniquely internationally.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, with elite runners lining up, supporters make the trip, to share in the challenge. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions in numerous locations on comparable tracks, and this is the box the final goal over many years.”