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Kanichi Kusano observes, “Residents of Japan and read a sports newspaper, the top three activities appear. Baseball is one, next is sumo, and the third is horse racing. Racing is ever-present, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. There is drama and romance, especially the Arc quest in this long-running endeavor for over five decades. That explains the nation are deeply connected.”

Renewed Ambition

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance and millions more watching from Japan, the season is here once again. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in Europe’s premier race, came in 11th in 1969, another 32 have tried and failed. At Longchamp, another trio – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of determination amid repeated setbacks, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. British followers may grumble over decades of disappointment, yet their squad boasts a global title. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has developed as the wealthiest and top-performing in the world. All it has to show after enormous spending and extensive travel are numerous of frustrating outcomes.

Bitter Defeats

• El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind the champion after leading near the finish.
• A national icon, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in his attempt before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• Nakayama Festa was just a head behind the victor.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead with a furlong to go yet veered and got caught in the closing strides.

Bad ground along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have contributed to the winless streak. Horses accustomed to firm turf at home falter in softer conditions typically found at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective believes it’s also a gradual education. “As a horse owner taking a classic race, often the thought is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ but sometimes it’s not the case because it looks similar, but it’s a totally different game.

“The Japanese turf is really flat and the Japanese horses bred to be precision machines, but in Europe, you need an SUV, since the ground looks green and smooth in reality, it feels different. And that’s why trainers and owners have studied a lot to select entrants able to handle variety with added stamina.

Current Contenders

Interestingly this year’s trio set to compete experienced what could be described as French preparation: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded in an Arc – several in the past placed apart further back – however, there is notable depth.

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

“Fundamentally, gambling is prohibited across the country and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, one of which is thoroughbred racing,” Kusano says. “But the Japan Racing Association has worked effectively of changing the image away from mere gambling as a multifaceted spectacle for general audiences, connecting fans to the events uniquely compared to elsewhere.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, as top competitors participating, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and the Middle East in numerous locations with similar surfaces, this trophy is the final goal over many years.”