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An industry expert observes, “Anyone in Japan and open a racing paper, three key disciplines come up. One is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. It’s full of excitement and allure, especially the Arc quest as Japan has pursued victory for half a century. That explains fans in Japan are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance plus additional viewers tuning in back home, the season is here once again. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, came in 11th back in 1969, three dozen others sought victory in vain. This year, additional challengers – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

A prime instance of persistence despite heartbreaking losses, few stories compare across sports. England fans may grumble regarding their own drought, however, the team can claim a World Cup win. In recent decades, Japan’s racing industry has grown to become the wealthiest and top-performing in the world. All it has to show despite massive investment and millions of air miles are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Close Calls

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by the winner while in front near the finish.
• Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger lost by a mere head the winning horse.
• The 2012 favorite charged into a clear lead in the final stretch then drifted and got caught in the closing strides.

Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, during the event, have both played a part to the winless streak. Runners used to lightning-fast going in Japan often struggle on testing tracks common in Paris this time of year. However, Kusano suggests it was a gradual education. “If you are an owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform and the Japanese horses are trained to become like a Formula One car, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, because the surface looks green and smooth but when you walk on it, the going varies. Hence racing teams have researched extensively to prepare runners suited to firm conditions with added stamina.

Current Contenders

Notably this year’s trio for this year’s Arc have all had what could be described as localized buildup: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. While not the largest squad previously entered for this race – a quartet two years ago were spread out among the also-rans – however, there is notable depth.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans celebrate at last after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.

“Basically, betting is restricted across the country only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, including the turf,” Kusano says. “However, the JRA has done a very good job of changing the image beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to the events uniquely to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses lining up, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and the Middle East and most places on comparable tracks, the Arc remains that we have wanted to tick over many years.”