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A former JRA representative observes, “Residents of Japan and open a sports newspaper, three key disciplines appear. One is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the final one is the sport of kings. Racing is ever-present, and these athletes are stunning. There is drama and romance, and a challenge to the Arc as Japan has pursued victory for more than 50 years. That explains Japanese people are deeply connected.”

A Tradition of Hope

Countless enthusiasts from Japan traveling the long distance along with many more tuning in back home, it is that time annually. Ever since the first entrant, the first Japanese-trained runner in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, came in 11th over five decades ago, another 32 sought victory in vain. This year, additional challengers – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will make the attempt.

A prime instance of determination in the face of painful and often bitter experience, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. England fans may grumble regarding their own drought, yet their squad does at least have a major trophy. In recent decades, Japanese horse racing has developed to become the richest and most successful in the world. All it has to show despite massive investment and millions of air miles is a string of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind the champion while in front to the final strides.
• The legendary Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in his attempt though subsequently disqualified for banned medication.
• The 2010 entry was just a head behind Workforce.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead in the final stretch yet veered and got caught by Solemia.

Heavy going and bad luck, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have both played a part in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to lightning-fast going domestically come unstuck on testing tracks common in Paris this time of year. However, Kusano thinks it has also been an evolving strategy. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, normally they will think: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ but sometimes it’s not the case since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“Domestic tracks are very level and the Japanese horses developed into like a Formula One car, but in Europe, you need an SUV, since the ground seems perfect but when you walk on it, the going varies. This is why trainers and owners have researched extensively to prepare runners which both run on smooth ground and maybe have an element of SUV.

This Year's Hopefuls

Notably that the three Japanese challengers in the upcoming race have all had an almost French preparation: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded overseas – four runners in 2022 finished widely among the also-rans – but it has impressive quality.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters are rewarded for unwavering support behind their stars.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted nationally and there are only four authorized betting sports, including horse racing,” he adds. “Yet the governing body has succeeded to reshape perceptions beyond wagering into a broader entertainment that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to the events in a different way internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners lining up, naturally, fans journey, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and Dubai in numerous locations with similar surfaces, this trophy is the final goal over many years.”