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Kanichi Kusano notes, “If you’re living in Japan and read a racing paper, three major sports are featured. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the other one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. That explains the nation are emotionally invested.”

A Tradition of Hope

Countless enthusiasts from Japan traveling the long distance plus additional viewers tuning in back home, the season is here once again. Ever since the first entrant, Japan’s pioneer contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, placed 11th in 1969, another 32 have tried and failed. This year, three more – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

As an example of unwavering effort despite heartbreaking losses, few stories compare globally. British followers may grumble about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad can claim a global title. Since the 1990s, Japanese horse racing has developed to become the richest and most successful internationally. All it has to show after enormous spending and extensive travel are numerous of frustrating outcomes.

Bitter Defeats

• El Condor Pasa came up just short against the champion after leading until the last moment.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, nearly triumphed that year before being disqualified for banned medication.
• The 2010 entry was narrowly beaten by the victor.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead in the final stretch yet veered and got caught at the line.

Heavy going combined with misfortune, during the event, have contributed in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to firm turf domestically often struggle on the deep ground typically found during the Arc. An expert perspective suggests it was an evolving strategy. “For an owner taking a classic race, normally they will think: ‘The Arc is possible,’ yet that isn’t true while it seems alike, the challenges are unique.

“The Japanese turf is really flat and the Japanese horses bred to be precision machines, abroad, a sturdier type, because the surface appears pristine but when you walk on it, it’s totally different. And that’s why trainers and owners have researched extensively to select entrants which both run on smooth ground and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

Interestingly that the three Japanese challengers in the upcoming race have all had an almost localized buildup: time off in summer followed by a prep race. This isn’t the most numerous group ever sent in an Arc – four runners in 2022 placed apart in the lower positions – however, there is impressive quality.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion to their equine heroes.

“Basically, betting is restricted nationally only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, including the turf,” Kusano says. “Yet the governing body has succeeded in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport as a multifaceted spectacle accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts to racing distinctly compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners lining up, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions in numerous locations where conditions align, the Arc remains the elusive prize for decades.”