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A former JRA representative observes, “Residents of Japan and read a sports newspaper, three key disciplines are featured. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the third is thoroughbred racing. Racing is ever-present, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for half a century. This is the reason fans in Japan are deeply connected.”

Annual Pilgrimage

Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more tuning in back home, the moment has arrived annually. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, placed 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others have tried and failed. At Longchamp, additional challengers – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

As an example of persistence in the face of painful and often bitter experience, few stories compare in international sport. England fans could lament about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad can claim a World Cup win. Over the last 30 years, Japanese horse racing has expanded into the leading and most lucrative globally. Yet the result after enormous spending and millions of air miles are numerous of painful near-misses.

Close Calls

• A 1999 runner was narrowly defeated by the champion while in front until the last moment.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, nearly triumphed in his attempt later stripped of placement for banned medication.
• Nakayama Festa was narrowly beaten by the winning horse.
• Orfevre took command with a furlong to go but wandered and was overtaken at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions and bad luck, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have both played a part in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Runners used to lightning-fast going in Japan falter on the deep ground typically found this time of year. However, Kusano thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ yet that isn’t true because it looks similar, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf is really flat with domestic runners are trained to become sprint specialists, abroad, more versatile athletes, since the ground looks green and smooth yet underfoot, it feels different. Hence the Japanese connections have studied a lot to select entrants suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

Notably this year’s trio for this year’s Arc underwent an almost French preparation: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team previously entered for this race – a quartet two years ago finished widely further back – however, there is notable depth.

Is success imminent for the devoted supporters receive their due for unwavering support for these athletes.

“In essence, betting is restricted across the country only a handful of authorized betting sports, among them horse racing,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has succeeded to reshape perceptions beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle for general audiences, uniting enthusiasts to the events in a different way internationally.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, with elite runners entering, of course people will travel, to share in the challenge. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East across various venues on comparable tracks, this trophy is the elusive prize for decades.”