A former JRA representative observes, “Anyone in Japan and read a sports section, the top three activities come up. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the third is thoroughbred racing. Racing is ever-present, and the horses are magnificent. There is drama and romance, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. This is the reason Japanese people are emotionally invested.”
A Tradition of Hope
Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip plus additional viewers tuning in back home, it is that time once again. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, came in 11th in 1969, 32 more sought victory in vain. On Sunday, three more – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.
A prime instance of persistence amid painful and often bitter experience, there is little to match it across sports. British followers might complain regarding their own drought, but the national team can claim a World Cup win. Since the 1990s, the nation’s turf sport has developed into the wealthiest and top-performing in the world. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and countless journeys are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.
Heartbreak and Near-Misses
- El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind the champion having led to the final strides.
- The legendary Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, nearly triumphed in 2006 before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
- An unexpected challenger was just a head behind the winning horse.
- The 2012 favorite took command a furlong out yet veered and was overtaken by Solemia.
Unfavorable track conditions and bad luck, during the event, have contributed in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with quick surfaces at home falter in softer conditions common in Paris during the Arc. Kusano, though believes it’s also an evolving strategy. “For an owner taking a classic race, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ but sometimes it’s not the case because it looks similar, the competition is distinct.
“Racing surfaces in Japan is really flat and the Japanese horses are trained to become precision machines, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, since the ground seems perfect in reality, it’s totally different. Hence trainers and owners have adapted their approach to select entrants suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.
2024's Trio
Interestingly this year’s trio in the upcoming race underwent an almost localized buildup: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. While not the largest squad ever sent in an Arc – four runners in 2022 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 receive their due after years of loyalty behind their stars.
“Basically, betting is restricted nationally only a handful of permitted activities, including the turf,” Kusano says. “Yet the governing body has succeeded to reshape perceptions beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle accessible to all, connecting fans to the events distinctly compared to elsewhere.
“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, as top competitors entering, naturally, fans journey, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East and most places where conditions align, the Arc remains the final goal for a long time.”
