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Kanichi Kusano notes, “If you’re living in Japan and open a sports newspaper, three major sports come up. First is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is thoroughbred racing. Racing is ever-present, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc as Japan has pursued victory for over five decades. This is the reason fans in Japan are emotionally invested.”

Renewed Ambition

Countless enthusiasts from Japan journeying to Paris and millions more following live broadcasts, it is that time annually. Ever since the first entrant, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, finished 11th in 1969, 32 more sought victory in vain. On Sunday, another trio – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.

As an example of persistence in the face of painful and often bitter experience, it’s nearly unmatched across sports. British followers could lament over decades of disappointment, yet their squad boasts a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, the nation’s turf sport has grown as the wealthiest and top-performing globally. All it has to show after enormous spending and millions of air miles is a series of painful near-misses.

Bitter Defeats

• One early contender was narrowly defeated by the champion after leading until the last moment.
• The legendary Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in 2006 though subsequently disqualified for banned medication.
• The 2010 entry was narrowly beaten by Workforce.
• Orfevre charged into a clear lead a furlong out but wandered and got caught in the closing strides.

Heavy going combined with misfortune, with the draw and in the race, have both played a part to the winless streak. Runners used to firm turf domestically come unstuck on the deep ground typically found at Longchamp in early October. Kusano, though believes it’s also a gradual education. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ yet that isn’t true while it seems alike, the competition is distinct.

“Racing surfaces in Japan tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, abroad, more versatile athletes, because the surface looks green and smooth yet underfoot, the going varies. This is why the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to select entrants able to handle variety and greater resilience.

Current Contenders

Notably this year’s trio for this year’s Arc underwent what could be described as European training regimen: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group ever sent for this race – a quartet two years ago placed apart in the lower positions – however, there is impressive quality.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims are rewarded after years of loyalty behind their stars.

“Fundamentally, gambling is prohibited across the country with just four permitted activities, one of which is thoroughbred racing,” Kusano says. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment that everyone can enjoy, uniting enthusiasts with the sport in a different way internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors participating, naturally, fans journey, to feel part of the drama. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions across various venues on comparable tracks, the Arc remains the elusive prize for decades.”