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Kanichi Kusano explains, “Residents of Japan and read a sports section, three key disciplines appear. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is thoroughbred racing. We are always exposed to racing, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. It’s full of excitement and allure, especially the Arc quest because we’ve been trying to win for half a century. I think that’s why the nation are emotionally invested.”

Annual Pilgrimage

A multitude of devotees journeying to Paris along with many more following live broadcasts, the season is here once again. Ever since the first entrant, the first Japanese-trained runner in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, finished 11th over five decades ago, another 32 have tried and failed. This year, three more – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – aim to break the streak.

As an example of unwavering effort despite heartbreaking losses, there is little to match it in international sport. Supporters of England may grumble over decades of disappointment, but the national team can claim a global title. Over the last 30 years, Japanese horse racing has expanded to become the richest and most successful in the world. But the return after enormous spending and extensive travel is a string of painful near-misses.

Bitter Defeats

• El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind Montjeu after leading near the finish.
• The legendary Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, nearly triumphed in 2006 before being disqualified over a drug violation.
• The 2010 entry lost by a mere head the winning horse.
• Perhaps the most painful took command in the final stretch then drifted and was overtaken by Solemia.

Unfavorable track conditions and bad luck, with the draw and in the race, have been factors to the winless streak. Runners used to firm turf at home come unstuck in softer conditions that generally prevails at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective suggests it was part of a learning process. “For an owner taking a classic race, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ but sometimes it’s not the case while it seems alike, the challenges are unique.

“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, overseas, a sturdier type, as the turf seems perfect but when you walk on it, it feels different. And that’s why the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to select entrants able to handle variety with added stamina.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking that the three Japanese challengers in the upcoming race underwent a typically localized buildup: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded in an Arc – a quartet two years ago finished widely further back – however, there is impressive quality.

Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“Fundamentally, wagering is limited in Japan and there are only four permitted activities, including the turf,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has succeeded of changing the image beyond wagering into a broader entertainment accessible to all, connecting fans to the events uniquely to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses lining up, naturally, fans journey, to feel part of the drama. Success abroad and Dubai across various venues where conditions align, the Arc remains the final goal over many years.”