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An industry expert notes, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a racing paper, three key disciplines come up. One is baseball, next is sumo, and the third is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. It’s full of excitement and allure, with the Arc as the ultimate goal because we’ve been trying to win for half a century. That explains fans in Japan are emotionally invested.”

Renewed Ambition

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance along with many more following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived annually. Ever since the first entrant, the first Japanese-trained runner in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th in 1969, three dozen others sought victory in vain. At Longchamp, additional challengers – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

A prime instance of persistence amid repeated setbacks, few stories compare globally. England fans might complain about 59 years of hurt, however, the team can claim a global title. In recent decades, Japan’s racing industry has developed as the wealthiest and top-performing internationally. All it has to show despite massive investment and millions of air miles is a string of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• One early contender came up just short against the winner while in front to the final strides.
• A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement for banned medication.
• An unexpected challenger was just a head behind the victor.
• Orfevre sprinted ahead a furlong out yet veered and got caught by Solemia.

Bad ground combined with misfortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with firm turf domestically often struggle in softer conditions typically found at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano believes it’s also part of a learning process. “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 while it seems alike, but it’s a totally different game.

“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform and local thoroughbreds are trained to become precision machines, abroad, you need an SUV, because the surface looks green and smooth but when you walk on it, it feels different. And that’s why racing teams have studied a lot to prepare runners able to handle variety with added stamina.

2024's Trio

Notably that the three Japanese challengers set to compete underwent an almost French preparation: an extended midsummer break and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group ever sent in an Arc – four runners in 2022 placed apart in the lower positions – yet they possess notable depth.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“Basically, betting is restricted nationally only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, one of which is the turf,” Kusano says. “However, the JRA has succeeded to reshape perceptions from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people with the sport uniquely 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 that we have wanted to tick for decades.”