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A former JRA representative observes, “If you’re living in Japan and open a sports section, three major sports are featured. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the third is horse racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. There is drama and romance, with the Arc as the ultimate goal as Japan has pursued victory for over five decades. This is the reason fans in Japan are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

For thousands of Japanese racing fans journeying to Paris plus additional viewers watching from Japan, the moment has arrived once again. Ever since the first entrant, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, came in 11th over five decades ago, another 32 sought victory in vain. On Sunday, additional challengers – the latest hopefuls – aim to break the streak.

A prime instance of determination amid repeated setbacks, few stories compare across sports. Supporters of England could lament over decades of disappointment, however, the team boasts a global title. Since the 1990s, Japan’s racing industry has expanded to become the leading and most lucrative globally. Yet the result after enormous spending and millions of air miles is a series of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• A 1999 runner came up just short against Montjeu after leading to the final strides.
• A national icon, attracting huge crowds, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger lost by a mere head Workforce.
• Orfevre took command with a furlong to go then drifted and was chased down at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions and bad luck, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Horses accustomed to lightning-fast going in Japan often struggle on the deep ground common in Paris during the Arc. Kusano, though believes it’s also a gradual education. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf is really flat with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, but in Europe, a sturdier type, as the turf 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.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking the latest entrants in the upcoming race experienced what could be described as European training regimen: time off in summer followed by a prep race. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded in an Arc – several in the past placed apart among the also-rans – but it has notable depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for unwavering support to their equine heroes.

“Basically, wagering is limited nationally only a handful of permitted activities, among them the turf,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job to reshape perceptions away from mere gambling to a more diverse sport accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts with the sport in a different way internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses lining up, naturally, fans journey, to feel part of the drama. Victories in Hong Kong and Dubai in numerous locations on comparable tracks, the Arc remains the final goal for decades.”