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Kanichi Kusano observes, “If you’re living in Japan and pick up a sports section, three major sports come up. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the other one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc because we’ve been trying to win for half a century. This is the reason Japanese people are deeply connected.”

A Tradition of Hope

For thousands of Japanese racing fans traveling the long distance along with many more tuning in back home, the moment has arrived annually. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, finished 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others have tried and failed. This year, additional challengers – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.

One standout case of determination in the face of repeated setbacks, few stories compare across sports. Supporters of England may grumble about 59 years of hurt, however, the team can claim a global title. Over the last 30 years, the nation’s turf sport has grown as the wealthiest and top-performing in the world. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a series of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind the champion while in front to the final strides.
• A national icon, who drew tens of thousands, was less than a length behind that year later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• Nakayama Festa was narrowly beaten by the victor.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead in the final stretch yet veered and got caught by Solemia.

Bad ground along with ill fortune, with the draw and in the race, have been factors to the winless streak. Horses accustomed to lightning-fast going in Japan falter on the deep ground that generally prevails during the Arc. Kusano, though suggests it was an evolving strategy. “For an owner taking a classic race, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“Racing surfaces in Japan are very level and local thoroughbreds developed into like a Formula One car, abroad, you need an SUV, because the surface appears pristine but when you walk on it, the going varies. This is why trainers and owners have studied a lot to select entrants able to handle variety and greater resilience.

Current Contenders

It is certainly striking this year’s trio for this year’s Arc experienced what could be described as French preparation: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team ever sent for this race – four runners in 2022 were spread out among the also-rans – but it has an unusual sense of strength in depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion to their equine heroes.

“Basically, wagering is limited across the country only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, including the turf,” Kusano says. “However, the JRA has worked effectively in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment for general audiences, connecting fans with the sport in a different way compared to elsewhere.

“For local supporters, as top competitors participating, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East and most places with similar surfaces, the Arc remains the elusive prize over many years.”