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Kanichi Kusano notes, “Residents of Japan and read a sports newspaper, the top three activities appear. First is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the final one is the sport of kings. We are always exposed to racing, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. I think that’s why fans in Japan are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

For thousands of Japanese racing fans journeying to Paris and millions more following live broadcasts, it is that time as usual. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, came in 11th in 1969, three dozen others attempted without success. This year, three more – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will make the attempt.

A prime instance of determination amid repeated setbacks, few stories compare in international sport. British followers may grumble regarding their own drought, however, the team does at least have a World Cup win. In recent decades, Japan’s racing industry has expanded to become the richest and most successful globally. Yet the result despite massive investment and millions of air miles is a string of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Bitter Defeats

• El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind Montjeu having led to the final strides.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in 2006 before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• The 2010 entry lost by a mere head the victor.
• Perhaps the most painful charged into a clear lead with a furlong to go but wandered and was overtaken at the line.

Bad ground along with ill fortune, during the event, have been factors in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to quick surfaces at home often struggle in softer conditions common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, but it’s a totally different game.

“Domestic tracks is really flat with domestic runners are trained to become like a Formula One car, but in Europe, a sturdier type, as the turf appears pristine in reality, the going varies. Hence the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to select entrants which both run on smooth ground and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

Interestingly this year’s trio set to compete have all had an almost European training regimen: a summer hiatus and then a run in a trial. It is not the biggest team ever sent overseas – four runners in 2022 were spread out further back – however, there is impressive quality.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters receive their due after years of loyalty for these athletes.

“Basically, betting is restricted nationally only a handful of permitted activities, one of which is the turf,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job of changing the image from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport for general audiences, and bonding people to racing distinctly compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners lining up, supporters make the trip, to feel part of the drama. Victories in Hong Kong and other regions across various venues with similar surfaces, the Arc remains the elusive prize for decades.”