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Kanichi Kusano observes, “Residents of Japan and pick up a racing paper, the top three activities appear. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is horse racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for over five decades. I think that’s why Japanese people are deeply connected.”

Annual Pilgrimage

A multitude of devotees making the 12,000-mile round trip plus additional viewers watching from Japan, the moment has arrived once again. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th in 1969, three dozen others attempted without success. At Longchamp, another trio – this year’s candidates – will take their shot.

A prime instance of persistence amid painful and often bitter experience, there is little to match it in international sport. England fans may grumble about 59 years of hurt, but the national team does at least have a major trophy. Since the 1990s, the nation’s turf sport has grown to become the leading and most lucrative globally. Yet the result after enormous spending and countless journeys is a string of frustrating outcomes.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind the champion while in front until the last moment.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• An unexpected challenger lost by a mere head the victor.
• The 2012 favorite took command a furlong out yet veered and got caught in the closing strides.

Unfavorable track conditions along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have both played a part in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Entrants familiar with quick surfaces in Japan come unstuck in softer conditions typically found this time of year. An expert perspective thinks it has also been part of a learning process. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ however, reality differs because it looks similar, the challenges are unique.

“Racing surfaces in Japan is really flat and local thoroughbreds are trained to become precision machines, overseas, you need an SUV, since the ground appears pristine in reality, the going varies. And that’s why racing teams have adapted their approach to prepare runners suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking the latest entrants in the upcoming race underwent a typically European training regimen: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. It is not the biggest team ever sent in an Arc – four runners in 2022 finished widely in the lower positions – but it has notable depth.

Could this be the breakthrough allowing the pilgrims celebrate at last after years of loyalty for these athletes.

“Basically, gambling is prohibited across the country only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, among them thoroughbred racing,” Kusano says. “However, the JRA has done a very good job to reshape perceptions beyond wagering to a more diverse sport accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts to racing uniquely compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors lining up, naturally, fans journey, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and Dubai in numerous locations with similar surfaces, and this is the box the final goal for decades.”