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A former JRA representative notes, “Residents of Japan and pick up a racing paper, three major sports are featured. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is thoroughbred racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc because we’ve been trying to win for half a century. That explains Japanese people are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance and millions more following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived annually. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th back in 1969, another 32 sought victory in vain. At Longchamp, another trio – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of determination in the face of heartbreaking losses, there is little to match it globally. Supporters of England may grumble over decades of disappointment, yet their squad does at least have a global title. Since the 1990s, the nation’s turf sport has grown into the richest and most successful in the world. But the return for the trillions of yen and extensive travel are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Bitter Defeats

• A 1999 runner was narrowly defeated by the winner after leading near the finish.
• Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, nearly triumphed in his attempt before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• The 2010 entry lost by a mere head the victor.
• Perhaps the most painful took command in the final stretch yet veered and got caught in the closing strides.

Heavy going along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have contributed in the string of losses. Runners used to lightning-fast going domestically falter in softer conditions that generally prevails at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, the challenges are unique.

“Racing surfaces in Japan tend to be uniform with domestic runners are trained to become precision machines, overseas, you need an SUV, since the ground looks green and smooth but when you walk on it, it’s totally different. This is why racing teams have adapted their approach to bring horses able to handle variety and greater resilience.

This Year's Hopefuls

Notably this year’s trio set to compete experienced a typically French preparation: time off in summer then a tune-up event. This isn’t the most numerous group previously entered in an Arc – four runners in 2022 finished widely further back – yet they possess impressive quality.

Is success imminent when the travelling fans receive their due for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“In essence, wagering is limited in Japan and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, including the turf,” Kusano says. “But the Japan Racing Association has succeeded in rebranding the sport away from mere gambling into a broader entertainment accessible to all, and bonding people with the sport in a different way to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses entering, of course people will travel, to feel part of the drama. Victories in Hong Kong and Dubai across various venues on comparable tracks, the Arc remains the final goal over many years.”