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A former JRA representative observes, “Residents of Japan and open a sports newspaper, the top three activities come up. First is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the other one is thoroughbred racing. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. It’s full of excitement and allure, especially the Arc quest in this long-running endeavor for half a century. That explains the nation are deeply connected.”

Annual Pilgrimage

Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more watching from Japan, the moment has arrived once again. Beginning with Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in Europe’s premier race, came in 11th in 1969, three dozen others have tried and failed. At Longchamp, additional challengers – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – aim to break the streak.

A prime instance of unwavering effort amid heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched globally. England fans may grumble over decades of disappointment, however, the team boasts a major trophy. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has grown to become the wealthiest and top-performing internationally. All it has to show after enormous spending and millions of air miles are numerous of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by Montjeu having led to the final strides.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third that year later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
• The 2010 entry was just a head behind the victor.
• The 2012 favorite took command a furlong out but wandered and got caught at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions along with ill fortune, with the draw and in the race, have contributed in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Horses accustomed to firm turf in Japan falter on the deep ground common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “For an owner victorious in the Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“Domestic tracks are very level with domestic runners are trained to become precision machines, but in Europe, you need an SUV, as the turf looks green and smooth yet underfoot, the going varies. Hence trainers and owners have studied a lot to select entrants which both run on smooth ground and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

Interestingly the latest entrants in the upcoming race experienced a typically French preparation: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. This isn’t the most numerous group ever sent in an Arc – four runners in 2022 placed apart further back – but it has impressive quality.

Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters receive their due after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted in Japan only a handful of permitted activities, one of which is thoroughbred racing,” he adds. “But the Japan Racing Association has succeeded to reshape perceptions beyond wagering to a more diverse sport that everyone can enjoy, uniting enthusiasts to racing distinctly to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners participating, of course people will travel, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East and most places on comparable tracks, the Arc remains that we have wanted to tick over many years.”