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Kanichi Kusano explains, “If you’re living in Japan and open a sports section, the top three activities are featured. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the final one is thoroughbred racing. We are always exposed to racing, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. It’s full of excitement and allure, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. I think that’s why the nation are so attached.”

Annual Pilgrimage

For thousands of Japanese racing fans making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more watching from Japan, the season is here annually. Ever since the first entrant, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, finished 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others attempted without success. At Longchamp, three more – the latest hopefuls – will make the attempt.

A prime instance of determination amid painful and often bitter experience, it’s nearly unmatched globally. Supporters of England could lament regarding their own drought, but the national team can claim a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has grown to become the leading and most lucrative globally. But the return despite massive investment and countless journeys are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Bitter Defeats

• One early contender finished half a length behind the winner while in front to the final strides.
• A national icon, who drew tens of thousands, nearly triumphed in his attempt before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• An unexpected challenger was just a head behind the victor.
• Orfevre sprinted ahead in the final stretch yet veered and was chased down in the closing strides.

Bad ground and bad luck, during the event, have both played a part in the string of losses. Horses accustomed to firm turf at home falter on the deep ground typically found this time of year. However, Kusano suggests it was part of a learning process. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.

“The Japanese turf tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, overseas, you need an SUV, because the surface looks green and smooth yet underfoot, it feels different. Hence racing teams have researched extensively to select entrants able to handle variety and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

Interestingly this year’s trio set to compete have all had what could be described as localized buildup: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. This isn’t the most numerous group ever sent overseas – four runners in 2022 placed apart among the also-rans – but it has impressive quality.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims receive their due for their indefatigable devotion for these athletes.

“Basically, gambling is prohibited across the country with just four authorized betting sports, including the turf,” Kusano says. “Yet the governing body has done a very good job in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to the events distinctly compared to elsewhere.

“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, with elite runners participating, of course people will travel, to share in the challenge. We’ve won in Hong Kong and Dubai across various venues on comparable tracks, this trophy is the elusive prize over many years.”