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A former JRA representative explains, “Anyone in Japan and open a racing paper, three major sports are featured. First is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. There is drama and romance, especially the Arc quest as Japan has pursued victory 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 watching from Japan, the moment has arrived once again. Beginning with Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, placed 11th in 1969, 32 more attempted without success. This year, three more – the latest hopefuls – will make the attempt.

A prime instance of unwavering effort amid heartbreaking losses, few stories compare across sports. British followers might complain regarding their own drought, but the national team can claim a major trophy. In recent decades, Japan’s racing industry has expanded to become the leading and most lucrative in the world. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and extensive travel are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by the winner after leading near the finish.
• The legendary Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, was less than a length behind in his attempt later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• An unexpected challenger was narrowly beaten by the winning horse.
• The 2012 favorite took command in the final stretch then drifted and was chased down at the line.

Heavy going along with ill fortune, during the event, have contributed in the string of losses. Runners used to quick surfaces domestically often struggle on testing tracks typically found during the Arc. However, Kusano believes it’s also a gradual education. “As a horse owner and you win a Japanese Derby, often the thought is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ yet that isn’t true because it looks similar, but it’s a totally different game.

“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform and local thoroughbreds bred to be sprint specialists, abroad, you need an SUV, because the surface looks green and smooth but when you walk on it, it feels different. This is why the Japanese connections have studied a lot to bring horses able to handle variety and greater resilience.

This Year's Hopefuls

Interestingly the latest entrants set to compete experienced an almost localized buildup: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded in an Arc – a quartet two years ago placed apart in the lower positions – but it has notable depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year when the travelling fans are rewarded after years of loyalty for these athletes.

“Basically, wagering is limited across the country with just four officially approved gambling sports, including horse racing,” he adds. “Yet the governing body has succeeded of changing the image beyond wagering into a broader entertainment accessible to all, and bonding people with the sport in a different way internationally.

“For local supporters, as top competitors lining up, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Success abroad and the Middle East and most places on comparable tracks, the Arc remains the elusive prize for decades.”