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A former JRA representative observes, “Residents of Japan and read a racing paper, three key disciplines are featured. First is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the final one is thoroughbred racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal because we’ve been trying to win for half a century. That explains the nation are so attached.”

A Tradition of Hope

Countless enthusiasts from Japan traveling the long distance and millions more tuning in back home, it is that time as usual. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative at the Arc, finished 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others sought victory in vain. This year, another trio – the latest hopefuls – aim to break the streak.

As an example of persistence amid painful and often bitter experience, few stories compare across sports. British followers might complain regarding their own drought, yet their squad can claim a World Cup win. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has developed as the leading and most lucrative globally. Yet the result despite massive investment and millions of air miles is a string of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Close Calls

• El Condor Pasa came up just short against Montjeu having led near the finish.
• Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, nearly triumphed in 2006 before being disqualified over a drug violation.
• An unexpected challenger was narrowly beaten by the winning horse.
• Perhaps the most painful took command a furlong out then drifted and got caught in the closing strides.

Bad ground and bad luck, during the event, have contributed to the winless streak. Entrants familiar with quick surfaces at home come unstuck on testing tracks typically found at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano believes it’s also part of a learning process. “If you are an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ but sometimes it’s not the case because it looks similar, the challenges are unique.

“Racing surfaces in Japan is really flat with domestic runners developed into sprint specialists, but in Europe, you need an SUV, because the surface seems perfect yet underfoot, it’s totally different. This is why racing teams have adapted their approach to bring horses suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

This Year's Hopefuls

It is certainly striking the latest entrants for this year’s Arc experienced what could be described as localized buildup: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. It is not the biggest team ever sent in an Arc – a quartet two years ago finished widely among the also-rans – however, there is impressive quality.

Is success imminent for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“In essence, gambling is prohibited across the country only a handful of authorized betting sports, one of which is thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job of changing the image beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to racing in a different way internationally.

“For local supporters, when we have star horses lining up, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. We’ve won in Hong Kong and Dubai in numerous locations on comparable tracks, the Arc remains the elusive prize over many years.”