Raiders of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Japanese Elusive 50-Year Quest in Paris.

A former JRA representative explains, “Residents of Japan and read a sports newspaper, three major sports appear. First is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. There is drama and romance, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for over five decades. This is the reason Japanese people are deeply connected.”

A Tradition of Hope

A multitude of devotees journeying to Paris plus additional viewers following live broadcasts, the season is here once again. Ever since the first entrant, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, placed 11th back in 1969, 32 more have tried and failed. At Longchamp, three more – this year’s candidates – will take their shot.

A prime instance of persistence despite repeated setbacks, few stories compare in international sport. England fans may grumble about 59 years of hurt, however, the team boasts a major trophy. Since the 1990s, Japan’s racing industry has grown into the richest and most successful internationally. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a series of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Bitter Defeats

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind Montjeu having led until the last moment.
• A national icon, attracting huge crowds, finished a close third in 2006 before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• The 2010 entry lost by a mere head Workforce.
• Orfevre sprinted ahead in the final stretch but wandered and was overtaken in the closing strides.

Bad ground and bad luck, during the event, have both played a part in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to firm turf domestically come unstuck in softer conditions common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. Kusano, though suggests it was a gradual education. “As a horse owner taking a classic race, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf are very level and local thoroughbreds bred to be like a Formula One car, overseas, a sturdier type, as the turf seems perfect in reality, it feels different. This is why racing teams have adapted their approach to select entrants suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

This Year's Hopefuls

Notably that the three Japanese challengers for this year’s Arc underwent an almost European training regimen: an extended midsummer break and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group previously entered for this race – a quartet two years ago were spread out in the lower positions – however, there is impressive quality.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims are rewarded after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.

“Basically, betting is restricted across the country and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, including thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “Yet the governing body has worked effectively in rebranding the sport beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle that everyone can enjoy, connecting fans with the sport uniquely internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors entering, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and Dubai in numerous locations where conditions align, the Arc remains that we have wanted to tick for a long time.”