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An industry expert notes, “Anyone in Japan and read a sports newspaper, three major sports come up. First is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the other one is the sport of kings. We are always exposed to racing, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc as Japan has pursued victory for more than 50 years. This is the reason fans in Japan are so attached.”

Annual Pilgrimage

For thousands of Japanese racing fans traveling the long distance plus additional viewers tuning in back home, the season is here as usual. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, placed 11th back in 1969, another 32 have tried and failed. At Longchamp, three more – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.

As an example of persistence in the face of painful and often bitter experience, it’s nearly unmatched across sports. Supporters of England might complain about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad does at least have a major trophy. In recent decades, Japanese horse racing has expanded into the wealthiest and top-performing internationally. All it has to show despite massive investment and millions of air miles is a string of painful near-misses.

Bitter Defeats

• One early contender finished half a length behind Montjeu having led to the final strides.
• The legendary Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, nearly triumphed that year later stripped of placement for banned medication.
• Nakayama Festa lost by a mere head the victor.
• The 2012 favorite charged into a clear lead a furlong out yet veered and got caught at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with firm turf in Japan often struggle in softer conditions common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano suggests it was an evolving strategy. “For an owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“Racing surfaces in Japan is really flat and the Japanese horses bred to be like a Formula One car, overseas, you need an SUV, since the ground seems perfect but when you walk on it, it’s totally different. Hence racing teams have studied a lot to select entrants able to handle variety with added stamina.

2024's Trio

Notably the latest entrants for this year’s Arc experienced a typically French preparation: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded for this race – a quartet two years ago placed apart further back – but it has notable depth.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans receive their due after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.

“Basically, betting is restricted nationally with just four permitted activities, among them thoroughbred racing,” he adds. “Yet the governing body has succeeded in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport as a multifaceted spectacle accessible to all, and bonding people to the events uniquely to other countries.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, when we have star horses lining up, supporters make the trip, to feel part of the drama. Victories in Hong Kong and Dubai and most places with similar surfaces, and this is the box the final goal for decades.”