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A former JRA representative notes, “Anyone in Japan and read a sports newspaper, the top three activities come up. First is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the third is thoroughbred racing. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal as Japan has pursued victory for half a century. This is the reason fans in Japan are emotionally invested.”

Annual Pilgrimage

Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip along with many more tuning in back home, the moment has arrived once again. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, came in 11th back in 1969, another 32 sought victory in vain. This year, additional challengers – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of unwavering effort amid heartbreaking losses, few stories compare globally. British followers might complain over decades of disappointment, yet their squad does at least have a World Cup win. In recent decades, Japanese horse racing has developed to become the wealthiest and top-performing internationally. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and countless journeys is a series of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Close Calls

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind the winner having led until the last moment.
• A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, was less than a length behind in 2006 though subsequently disqualified for banned medication.
• The 2010 entry was narrowly beaten by the winning horse.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead a furlong out yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.

Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, during the event, have both played a part to the winless streak. Horses accustomed to quick surfaces at home come unstuck in softer conditions that generally prevails during the Arc. An expert perspective believes it’s also an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf are very level with domestic runners are trained to become like a Formula One car, abroad, more versatile athletes, because the surface looks green and smooth yet underfoot, the going varies. Hence trainers and owners have adapted their approach to select entrants which both run on smooth ground and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

Interestingly that the three Japanese challengers for this year’s Arc underwent what could be described as localized buildup: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded overseas – several in the past were spread out further back – yet they possess impressive quality.

Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters receive their due for their indefatigable devotion for these athletes.

“Basically, betting is restricted nationally only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, among them the turf,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has worked effectively in rebranding the sport beyond wagering into a broader entertainment accessible to all, and bonding people to the events uniquely compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors participating, of course people will travel, to feel part of the drama. We’ve won in Hong Kong and the Middle East and most places with similar surfaces, the Arc remains the final goal for decades.”