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An industry expert notes, “Anyone in Japan and read a racing paper, the top three activities appear. First is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the other one is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for half a century. That explains the nation are emotionally invested.”

A Tradition of Hope

Countless enthusiasts from Japan traveling the long distance and millions more following live broadcasts, the season is here as usual. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th in 1969, 32 more have tried and failed. On Sunday, another trio – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will make the attempt.

As an example of unwavering effort in the face of painful and often bitter experience, few stories compare in international sport. Supporters of England might complain about 59 years of hurt, however, the team boasts a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japanese horse racing has expanded as the wealthiest and top-performing in the world. But the return for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a series of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by the champion while in front to the final strides.
• Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, was less than a length behind that year before being disqualified for banned medication.
• The 2010 entry was narrowly beaten by the victor.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead with a furlong to go yet veered and was chased down at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions along with ill fortune, during the event, have contributed in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Runners used to quick surfaces domestically often struggle on testing tracks typically found during the Arc. However, Kusano thinks it has also been part of a learning process. “As a horse owner and you win a Japanese Derby, normally they will think: ‘The Arc is possible,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, but it’s a totally different game.

“Racing surfaces in Japan tend to be uniform and the Japanese horses developed into like a Formula One car, abroad, you need an SUV, since the ground appears pristine yet underfoot, it feels different. This is why racing teams have studied a lot to select entrants which both run on smooth ground and greater resilience.

2024's Trio

Notably this year’s trio in the upcoming race experienced an almost French preparation: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded in an Arc – four runners in 2022 placed apart further back – yet they possess notable depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year when the travelling fans celebrate at last after years of loyalty behind their stars.

“Fundamentally, gambling is prohibited across the country and there are only four authorized betting sports, one of which is the turf,” notes the expert. “Yet the governing body has done a very good job of changing the image beyond wagering into a broader entertainment for general audiences, and bonding people to the events distinctly internationally.

“For local supporters, as top competitors entering, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and Dubai and most places where conditions align, this trophy is that we have wanted to tick for a long time.”