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Kanichi Kusano notes, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a sports newspaper, three key disciplines come up. First is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is the sport of kings. We are always exposed to racing, and these athletes are stunning. There is drama and romance, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. That explains fans in Japan are so attached.”

A Tradition of Hope

For thousands of Japanese racing fans making the 12,000-mile round trip plus additional viewers watching from Japan, the season is here once again. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others sought victory in vain. This year, three more – this year’s candidates – will take their shot.

One standout case of determination in the face of heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched across sports. England fans could lament over decades of disappointment, yet their squad can claim a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has expanded into the leading and most lucrative globally. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and extensive travel are numerous of frustrating outcomes.

Close Calls

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by Montjeu having led to the final strides.
• The legendary Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, finished a close third in his attempt before being disqualified over a drug violation.
• An unexpected challenger was just a head behind Workforce.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead a furlong out then drifted and got caught in the closing strides.

Heavy going combined with misfortune, with the draw and in the race, have been factors in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with firm turf at home falter on the deep ground that generally prevails during the Arc. Kusano, though suggests it was part of a learning process. “If you are an owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, the competition is distinct.

“Domestic tracks is really flat with domestic runners bred to be sprint specialists, but in Europe, you need an SUV, because the surface appears pristine in reality, the going varies. This is why racing teams have studied a lot to select entrants able to handle variety and greater resilience.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking the latest entrants set to compete underwent an almost European training regimen: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded for this race – a quartet two years ago were spread out among the also-rans – however, there is an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Could this be the breakthrough when the travelling fans are rewarded after years of loyalty for these athletes.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted across the country and there are only four authorized betting sports, among them thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has succeeded of changing the image from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment that everyone can enjoy, connecting fans to the events in a different way compared to elsewhere.

“For local supporters, when we have star horses lining up, naturally, fans journey, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions and most places with similar surfaces, this trophy is the final goal for decades.”