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An industry expert notes, “Residents of Japan and open a sports newspaper, three key disciplines are featured. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal as Japan has pursued victory for half a century. That explains Japanese people are deeply connected.”

Annual Pilgrimage

For thousands of Japanese racing fans making the 12,000-mile round trip along with many more tuning in back home, the season is here as usual. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative at the Arc, came in 11th in 1969, another 32 sought victory in vain. At Longchamp, another trio – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.

A prime instance of persistence despite repeated setbacks, there is little to match it in international sport. Supporters of England could lament about 59 years of hurt, but the national team boasts a World Cup win. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has grown into the wealthiest and top-performing globally. Yet the result for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a string of painful near-misses.

Bitter Defeats

• One early contender came up just short against the champion after leading near the finish.
• The legendary Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, nearly triumphed that year before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger was narrowly beaten by Workforce.
• Orfevre charged into a clear lead with a furlong to go then drifted and got caught in the closing strides.

Bad ground along with ill fortune, with the draw and in the race, have been factors in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to firm turf at home come unstuck on the deep ground common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano believes it’s also a gradual education. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf tend to be uniform and the Japanese horses developed into sprint specialists, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, as the turf seems perfect but when you walk on it, it feels different. Hence the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to prepare runners able to handle variety with added stamina.

Current Contenders

It is certainly striking this year’s trio for this year’s Arc underwent a typically European training regimen: time off in summer then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded in an Arc – several in the past placed apart in the lower positions – however, there is an unusual sense of strength in depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year allowing the pilgrims celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“Basically, gambling is prohibited nationally and there are only four authorized betting sports, including horse racing,” Kusano says. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job of changing the image beyond wagering into a broader entertainment accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts to the events distinctly internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses participating, of course people will travel, to feel part of the drama. Victories in Hong Kong and other regions in numerous locations with similar surfaces, the Arc remains the final goal for decades.”