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A former JRA representative notes, “Residents of Japan and open a racing paper, three major sports appear. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the third is the sport of kings. Racing is ever-present, and the horses are magnificent. It’s full of excitement and allure, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for half a century. I think that’s why Japanese people are so attached.”

Annual Pilgrimage

For thousands of Japanese racing fans traveling the long distance plus additional viewers watching from Japan, the moment has arrived as usual. Ever since the first entrant, Japan’s pioneer contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, finished 11th back in 1969, three dozen others have tried and failed. At Longchamp, additional challengers – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – aim to break the streak.

As an example of unwavering effort amid painful and often bitter experience, few stories compare globally. England fans could lament regarding their own drought, but the national team can claim a global title. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has developed as the richest and most successful globally. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and countless journeys is a string of frustrating outcomes.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• A 1999 runner came up just short against the winner while in front near the finish.
• A national icon, who drew tens of thousands, finished a close third that year later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• The 2010 entry lost by a mere head Workforce.
• The 2012 favorite charged into a clear lead with a furlong to go then drifted and was chased down in the closing strides.

Bad ground combined with misfortune, during the event, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Horses accustomed to quick surfaces in Japan come unstuck in softer conditions common in Paris this time of year. An expert perspective believes it’s also a gradual education. “If you are an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, normally they will think: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ however, reality differs because it looks similar, the competition is distinct.

“Domestic tracks is really flat with domestic runners bred to be precision machines, abroad, a sturdier type, since the ground appears pristine in reality, the going varies. This is why the Japanese connections have studied a lot to bring horses able to handle variety and maybe have an element of SUV.

Current Contenders

Interestingly that the three Japanese challengers for this year’s Arc experienced what could be described as French preparation: an extended midsummer break followed by a prep race. While not the largest squad ever sent for this race – several in the past were spread out further back – however, there is an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters are rewarded for their indefatigable devotion for these athletes.

“Basically, betting is restricted in Japan and there are only four authorized betting sports, one of which is thoroughbred racing,” he adds. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job in rebranding the sport beyond wagering to a more diverse sport for general audiences, and bonding people with the sport distinctly to other countries.

“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners lining up, of course people will travel, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions across various venues where conditions align, the Arc remains the elusive prize over many years.”