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An industry expert observes, “If you’re living in Japan and open a sports newspaper, the top three activities appear. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is horse racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, especially the Arc quest as Japan has pursued victory for more than 50 years. I think that’s why fans in Japan are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

For thousands of Japanese racing fans journeying to Paris along with many more watching from Japan, the season is here annually. Since Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, came in 11th back in 1969, 32 more attempted without success. At Longchamp, another trio – the latest hopefuls – will make the attempt.

One standout case of unwavering effort despite repeated setbacks, there is little to match it globally. England fans may grumble regarding their own drought, yet their squad can claim a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, the nation’s turf sport has developed to become the richest and most successful internationally. All it has to show despite massive investment and extensive travel are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Close Calls

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind the winner having led near the finish.
• The legendary Deep Impact, who drew tens of thousands, was less than a length behind that year later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger was just a head behind the victor.
• Orfevre charged into a clear lead a furlong out yet veered and was overtaken at the line.

Heavy going along with ill fortune, with the draw and in the race, have been factors in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with quick surfaces in Japan come unstuck on testing tracks common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. Kusano, though believes it’s also a gradual education. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, normally they will think: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, but it’s a totally different game.

“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, because the surface seems perfect yet underfoot, the going varies. This is why trainers and owners have studied a lot to select entrants suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking this year’s trio set to compete have all had a typically European training regimen: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. It is not the biggest team that Japan has fielded overseas – a quartet two years ago were spread out further back – yet they possess impressive quality.

Is success imminent for the devoted supporters are rewarded for unwavering support to their equine heroes.

“Basically, gambling is prohibited in Japan with just four permitted activities, including horse racing,” notes the expert. “Yet the governing body has succeeded of changing the image away from mere gambling as a multifaceted spectacle for general audiences, connecting fans with the sport in a different way to other countries.

“For local supporters, when we have star horses participating, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and Dubai in numerous locations where conditions align, and this is the box the final goal for decades.”