An industry expert notes, “If you’re living in Japan and open a racing paper, the top three activities are featured. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the other one is horse racing. Racing is ever-present, and the horses are magnificent. It’s full of excitement and allure, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for half a century. This is the reason Japanese people are emotionally invested.”
Renewed Ambition
A multitude of devotees making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived annually. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, finished 11th in 1969, 32 more have tried and failed. On Sunday, another trio – this year’s candidates – will make the attempt.
As an example of unwavering effort despite heartbreaking losses, few stories compare in international sport. Supporters of England could lament regarding their own drought, yet their squad does at least have a World Cup win. Since the 1990s, Japan’s racing industry has developed to become the richest and most successful globally. All it has to show after enormous spending and millions of air miles is a string of frustrating outcomes.
Close Calls
- A 1999 runner finished half a length behind the winner after leading near the finish.
- Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in his attempt before being disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
- Nakayama Festa was narrowly beaten by the victor.
- Orfevre charged into a clear lead a furlong out yet veered and was overtaken in the closing strides.
Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have contributed to the winless streak. Runners used to lightning-fast going domestically often struggle on the deep ground that generally prevails at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano believes it’s also a gradual education. “If you are an owner taking a classic race, often the thought is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ but sometimes it’s not the case since it appears comparable, the competition is distinct.
“Domestic tracks tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, abroad, more versatile athletes, as the turf seems perfect in reality, the going varies. This is why the Japanese connections have researched extensively to prepare runners able to handle variety and greater resilience.
This Year's Hopefuls
Notably this year’s trio for this year’s Arc underwent what could be described as European training regimen: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded for this race – a quartet two years ago were spread out among the also-rans – yet they possess impressive quality.
Could this be the breakthrough for the devoted supporters receive their due after years of loyalty for these athletes.
“Basically, betting is restricted in Japan only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, including thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has succeeded to reshape perceptions beyond wagering as a multifaceted spectacle accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts to the events distinctly internationally.
“In the view of enthusiasts, with elite runners participating, supporters make the trip, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and the Middle East in numerous locations where conditions align, and this is the box that we have wanted to tick for a long time.”
