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Kanichi Kusano observes, “Residents of Japan and read a racing paper, three key disciplines appear. Baseball is one, next is sumo, and the other one is thoroughbred racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for half a century. I think that’s why fans in Japan are deeply connected.”

Renewed Ambition

Countless enthusiasts from Japan journeying to Paris along with many more tuning in back home, it is that time as usual. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, came in 11th back in 1969, 32 more attempted without success. At Longchamp, additional challengers – this year’s candidates – will take their shot.

One standout case of unwavering effort in the face of heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched globally. Supporters of England may grumble about 59 years of hurt, but the national team boasts a World Cup win. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has grown to become the leading and most lucrative internationally. All it has to show after enormous spending and extensive travel is a string of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• One early contender finished half a length behind the champion having led to the final strides.
• A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, nearly triumphed that year later stripped of placement for banned medication.
• An unexpected challenger was just a head behind Workforce.
• Perhaps the most painful charged into a clear lead a furlong out then drifted and got caught at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions and bad luck, with the draw and in the race, have contributed to the winless streak. Runners used to quick surfaces at home often struggle on testing tracks common in Paris during the Arc. However, Kusano thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “If you are an owner taking a classic race, normally they will think: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ yet that isn’t true because it looks similar, the competition is distinct.

“Domestic tracks is really flat and the Japanese horses bred to be precision machines, abroad, a sturdier type, since the ground looks green and smooth yet underfoot, the going varies. Hence the Japanese connections have researched extensively to prepare runners able to handle variety and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

Interestingly this year’s trio in the upcoming race underwent what could be described as European training regimen: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded for this race – several in the past were spread out among the also-rans – but it has impressive quality.

Is success imminent for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for unwavering support for these athletes.

“Basically, gambling is prohibited nationally with just four authorized betting sports, including the turf,” Kusano says. “Yet the governing body has succeeded of changing the image from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to racing in a different way compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners lining up, naturally, fans journey, to feel part of the drama. Success abroad and the Middle East across various venues where conditions align, and this is the box that we have wanted to tick for decades.”