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A former JRA representative observes, “Anyone in Japan and read a sports newspaper, three key disciplines are featured. First is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the third is thoroughbred racing. Racing is ever-present, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. There is drama and romance, especially the Arc quest in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. That explains the nation are emotionally invested.”

Annual Pilgrimage

Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more following live broadcasts, it is that time as usual. Ever since the first entrant, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, came in 11th in 1969, three dozen others sought victory in vain. This year, another trio – the latest hopefuls – aim to break the streak.

As an example of determination amid repeated setbacks, few stories compare globally. Supporters of England may grumble regarding their own drought, but the national team does at least have a major trophy. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has grown to become the richest and most successful in the world. All it has to show after enormous spending and millions of air miles are numerous of painful near-misses.

Bitter Defeats

• One early contender came up just short against the champion while in front near the finish.
• Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in his attempt though subsequently disqualified over a drug violation.
• The 2010 entry was just a head behind the winning horse.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead in the final stretch but wandered and was overtaken at the line.

Bad ground and bad luck, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Runners used to lightning-fast going in Japan falter on testing tracks common in Paris this time of year. An expert perspective suggests it was a gradual education. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ however, reality differs because it looks similar, the competition is distinct.

“Domestic tracks is really flat and the Japanese horses bred to be precision machines, abroad, you need an SUV, since the ground seems perfect but when you walk on it, it feels different. This is why the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to bring horses suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

Notably that the three Japanese challengers for this year’s Arc have all had a typically European training regimen: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group that Japan has fielded in an Arc – several in the past placed apart among the also-rans – however, there is an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans are rewarded for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“In essence, gambling is prohibited across the country and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, one of which is thoroughbred racing,” Kusano says. “Yet the governing body has worked effectively in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport for general audiences, and bonding people with the sport distinctly internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners participating, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and other regions in numerous locations on comparable tracks, the Arc remains the final goal over many years.”