An industry expert explains, “Anyone in Japan and open a sports section, three major sports appear. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the third is thoroughbred racing. Racing is ever-present, and these athletes are stunning. It’s full of excitement and allure, and a challenge to the Arc as Japan has pursued victory for over five decades. That explains fans in Japan are so attached.”
Renewed Ambition
For thousands of Japanese racing fans traveling the long distance plus additional viewers watching from Japan, the moment has arrived annually. Since Speed Symboli, the initial representative in Europe’s premier race, finished 11th over five decades ago, 32 more sought victory in vain. On Sunday, three more – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.
One standout case of unwavering effort in the face of painful and often bitter experience, it’s nearly unmatched globally. England fans could lament over decades of disappointment, yet their squad boasts a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has developed to become the leading and most lucrative in the world. All it has to show despite massive investment and extensive travel are numerous of painful near-misses.
Close Calls
- One early contender was narrowly defeated by Montjeu having led until the last moment.
- A national icon, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in his attempt later stripped of placement due to a prohibited substance.
- The 2010 entry was narrowly beaten by Workforce.
- Orfevre took command a furlong out yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.
Bad ground along with ill fortune, with the draw and in the race, have been factors in the string of losses. Entrants familiar with firm turf domestically often struggle on testing tracks typically found at Longchamp in early October. However, Kusano thinks it has also been part of a learning process. “For an owner taking a classic race, the natural conclusion is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ but sometimes it’s not the case because it looks similar, but it’s a totally different game.
“Domestic tracks are very level and the Japanese horses are trained to become precision machines, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, as the turf looks green and smooth in reality, the going varies. Hence the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to bring horses suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.
This Year's Hopefuls
Interestingly this year’s trio for this year’s Arc underwent an almost French preparation: a summer hiatus followed by a prep race. While not the largest squad previously entered overseas – several in the past were spread out among the also-rans – however, there is impressive quality.
Could this be the breakthrough when the travelling fans receive their due for unwavering support for these athletes.
“In essence, gambling is prohibited across the country with just four authorized betting sports, among them horse racing,” he adds. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job to reshape perceptions away from mere gambling into a broader entertainment that everyone can enjoy, uniting enthusiasts with the sport distinctly to other countries.
“For local supporters, with elite runners participating, of course people will travel, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions in numerous locations with similar surfaces, and this is the box that we have wanted to tick for decades.”
