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A former JRA representative notes, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a sports section, the top three activities are featured. Baseball is one, next is sumo, and the third is thoroughbred racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, especially the Arc quest because we’ve been trying to win for more than 50 years. I think that’s why Japanese people are emotionally invested.”

A Tradition of Hope

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance and millions more following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived annually. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, placed 11th in 1969, three dozen others sought victory in vain. At Longchamp, additional challengers – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will take their shot.

As an example of determination in the face of repeated setbacks, there is little to match it across sports. England fans may grumble over decades of disappointment, however, the team boasts a World Cup win. Since the 1990s, the nation’s turf sport has developed as the leading and most lucrative in the world. But the return for the trillions of yen and extensive travel are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Close Calls

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by the winner while in front until the last moment.
• The legendary Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in his attempt later stripped of placement for banned medication.
• Nakayama Festa was narrowly beaten by the winning horse.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead a furlong out but wandered and was chased down by Solemia.

Heavy going and bad luck, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Entrants familiar with quick surfaces in Japan falter in softer conditions that generally prevails this time of year. Kusano, though thinks it has also been a gradual education. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“The Japanese turf is really flat and the Japanese horses are trained to become like a Formula One car, but in Europe, a sturdier type, since the ground appears pristine but when you walk on it, it feels different. Hence racing teams have researched extensively to prepare runners able to handle variety with added stamina.

This Year's Hopefuls

Interestingly that the three Japanese challengers set to compete have all had an almost localized buildup: an extended midsummer break and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group that Japan has fielded in an Arc – four runners in 2022 placed apart further back – yet they possess an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans are rewarded after years of loyalty for these athletes.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted nationally and there are only four permitted activities, among them the turf,” Kusano says. “However, the JRA has done a very good job in rebranding the sport beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle for general audiences, connecting fans to the events in a different way internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors lining up, supporters make the trip, to feel part of the drama. We’ve won in Hong Kong and the Middle East in numerous locations where conditions align, the Arc remains that we have wanted to tick over many years.”