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An industry expert observes, “If you’re living in Japan and read a racing paper, three key disciplines come up. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the other one is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and the horses are magnificent. It’s full of excitement and allure, with the Arc as the ultimate goal because we’ve been trying to win for more than 50 years. This is the reason the nation are emotionally invested.”

Annual Pilgrimage

A multitude of devotees journeying to Paris along with many more following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived as usual. Beginning with Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, placed 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others attempted without success. At Longchamp, another trio – this year’s candidates – will take their shot.

A prime instance of unwavering effort despite repeated setbacks, there is little to match it across sports. British followers might complain about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad boasts a major trophy. In recent decades, Japanese horse racing has expanded as the richest and most successful in the world. Yet the result for the trillions of yen and extensive travel is a series of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Bitter Defeats

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind the winner having led until the last moment.
• A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• Nakayama Festa was just a head behind Workforce.
• Perhaps the most painful charged into a clear lead with a furlong to go yet veered and got caught by Solemia.

Heavy going combined with misfortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in the string of losses. Runners used to quick surfaces at home often struggle on testing tracks that generally prevails at Longchamp in early October. Kusano, though believes it’s also an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner victorious in the Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf tend to be uniform and local thoroughbreds developed into like a Formula One car, abroad, you need an SUV, as the turf appears pristine in reality, it feels different. And that’s why the Japanese connections have researched extensively to prepare runners which both run on smooth ground and greater resilience.

Current Contenders

It is certainly striking that the three Japanese challengers in the upcoming race experienced what could be described as French preparation: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. It is not the biggest team previously entered overseas – a quartet two years ago were spread out further back – yet they possess notable depth.

Could this be the breakthrough when the travelling fans celebrate at last for their indefatigable devotion for these athletes.

“Basically, betting is restricted across the country and there are only four authorized betting sports, including thoroughbred racing,” he adds. “Yet the governing body has worked effectively to reshape perceptions beyond wagering into a broader entertainment for general audiences, and bonding people to the events uniquely to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, when we have star horses entering, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East across various venues with similar surfaces, this trophy is that we have wanted to tick for a long time.”