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Kanichi Kusano observes, “Residents of Japan and read a racing paper, the top three activities appear. First is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the third is the sport of kings. Racing is ever-present, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for half a century. This is the reason fans in Japan are so attached.”

Annual Pilgrimage

A multitude of devotees journeying to Paris plus additional viewers following live broadcasts, it is that time once again. Ever since the first entrant, the initial representative in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, finished 11th back in 1969, three dozen others attempted without success. On Sunday, another trio – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

A prime instance of unwavering effort despite painful and often bitter experience, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. England fans may grumble regarding their own drought, but the national team can claim a World Cup win. Since the 1990s, Japanese horse racing has grown into the richest and most successful in the world. But the return despite massive investment and countless journeys is a series of frustrating outcomes.

Bitter Defeats

• A 1999 runner came up just short against the champion while in front to the final strides.
• Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, finished a close third that year later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• Nakayama Festa was just a head behind the victor.
• Orfevre charged into a clear lead with a furlong to go yet veered and was overtaken in the closing strides.

Bad ground and bad luck, with the draw and in the race, have been factors in the string of losses. Runners used to firm turf at home often struggle in softer conditions typically found at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective believes it’s also an evolving strategy. “If you are an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ but sometimes it’s not the case since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“Racing surfaces in Japan are very level with domestic runners developed into precision machines, abroad, you need an SUV, since the ground appears pristine yet underfoot, it feels different. This is why the Japanese connections have researched extensively to prepare runners able to handle variety and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking that the three Japanese challengers in the upcoming race have all had a typically French preparation: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. It is not the biggest team ever sent for this race – several in the past were spread out further back – but it has impressive quality.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters celebrate at last after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted in Japan and there are only four authorized betting sports, including the turf,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has done a very good job in rebranding the sport beyond wagering to a more diverse sport accessible to all, connecting fans to the events in a different way compared to elsewhere.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, when we have star horses entering, supporters make the trip, to feel part of the drama. Success abroad and the Middle East across various venues with similar surfaces, the Arc remains the final goal for a long time.”