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An industry expert observes, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a racing paper, the top three activities appear. First is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the other one is the sport of kings. Racing is ever-present, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. It’s full of excitement and allure, especially the Arc quest in this long-running endeavor for half a century. I think that’s why the nation are deeply connected.”

A Tradition of Hope

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance and millions more tuning in back home, the moment has arrived once again. Since Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th in 1969, 32 more attempted without success. At Longchamp, three more – the latest hopefuls – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of unwavering effort in the face of repeated setbacks, it’s nearly unmatched globally. British followers might complain regarding their own drought, yet their squad can claim a global title. Since the 1990s, the nation’s turf sport has expanded to become the richest and most successful internationally. But the return after enormous spending and extensive travel is a series of painful near-misses.

Bitter Defeats

• One early contender was narrowly defeated by the champion while in front until the last moment.
• The legendary Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in 2006 before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
• Nakayama Festa lost by a mere head the victor.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead in the final stretch then drifted and was overtaken at the line.

Heavy going and bad luck, during the event, have both played a part in the string of losses. Runners used to 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. “If you are an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, normally they will think: ‘The Arc is possible,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique.

“The Japanese turf are very level with domestic runners developed into like a Formula One car, overseas, more versatile athletes, as the turf looks green and smooth yet underfoot, it’s totally different. Hence trainers and owners have researched extensively to bring horses which both run on smooth ground and maybe have an element of SUV.

This Year's Hopefuls

It is certainly striking the latest entrants for this year’s Arc have all had what could be described as localized buildup: a summer hiatus and then a run in a trial. While not the largest squad ever sent overseas – several in the past were spread out further back – but it has notable depth.

Could this be the breakthrough allowing the pilgrims receive their due for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.

“In essence, betting is restricted in Japan only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, among them thoroughbred racing,” he adds. “However, the JRA has done a very good job to reshape perceptions from purely a betting sport as a multifaceted spectacle that everyone can enjoy, uniting enthusiasts to racing in a different way compared to elsewhere.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors entering, naturally, fans journey, to experience the excitement. Success abroad and other regions and most places on comparable tracks, the Arc remains that we have wanted to tick over many years.”