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A former JRA representative observes, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a sports newspaper, the top three activities appear. First is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the final one is horse racing. Racing is ever-present, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. There is drama and romance, and a challenge to the Arc as Japan has pursued victory for more than 50 years. I think that’s why the nation are emotionally invested.”

A Tradition of Hope

For thousands of Japanese racing fans journeying to Paris along with many more watching from Japan, the moment has arrived as usual. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative at the Arc, came in 11th back in 1969, another 32 attempted without success. This year, another trio – this year’s candidates – will take their shot.

As an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks, few stories compare in international sport. British followers might complain regarding their own drought, yet their squad can claim a major trophy. Since the 1990s, Japanese horse racing has expanded into the richest and most successful globally. All it has to show despite massive investment and extensive travel is a series of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Close Calls

• One early contender finished half a length behind the champion after leading until the last moment.
• A national icon, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in 2006 later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
• The 2010 entry was narrowly beaten by the victor.
• The 2012 favorite sprinted ahead with a furlong to go yet veered and was chased down at the line.

Heavy going and bad luck, with the draw and in the race, have contributed in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to quick surfaces at home falter on the deep ground typically found during the Arc. An expert perspective suggests it was a gradual education. “As a horse owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ but sometimes it’s not the case since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“Racing surfaces in Japan tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be precision machines, abroad, a sturdier type, since the ground looks green and smooth in reality, it feels different. And that’s why racing teams have adapted their approach to select entrants suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking that the three Japanese challengers for this year’s Arc have all had what could be described as French preparation: a summer hiatus and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group previously entered for this race – a quartet two years ago finished widely in the lower positions – however, there is notable depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for unwavering support to their equine heroes.

“In essence, gambling is prohibited in Japan only a handful of permitted activities, among them horse racing,” he adds. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job to reshape perceptions from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment that everyone can enjoy, uniting enthusiasts to racing uniquely compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors lining up, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Success abroad and the Middle East across various venues where conditions align, and this is the box the final goal for a long time.”