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A former JRA representative notes, “If you’re living in Japan and open a racing paper, three key disciplines are featured. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the third is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and the horses are magnificent. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for over five decades. I think that’s why the nation are emotionally invested.”

Renewed Ambition

For thousands of Japanese racing fans making the 12,000-mile round trip along with many more tuning in back home, it is that time once again. Ever since the first entrant, the initial representative at the Arc, placed 11th in 1969, three dozen others attempted without success. This year, three more – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will make the attempt.

One standout case of unwavering effort amid painful and often bitter experience, few stories compare in international sport. Supporters of England could lament about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad does at least have a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has expanded to become the leading and most lucrative globally. Yet the result despite massive investment and extensive travel is a string of painful near-misses.

Close Calls

• One early contender finished half a length behind the winner while in front to the final strides.
• 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 was narrowly beaten by the winning horse.
• Orfevre charged into a clear lead in the final stretch but wandered and was chased down at the line.

Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, with the draw and in the race, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Horses accustomed to lightning-fast going domestically come unstuck in softer conditions common in Paris at Longchamp in early October. An expert perspective believes it’s also an evolving strategy. “For an owner taking a classic race, normally they will think: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, the competition is distinct.

“Racing surfaces in Japan tend to be uniform with domestic runners are trained to become sprint specialists, but in Europe, a sturdier type, since the ground looks green and smooth yet underfoot, it feels different. Hence trainers and owners have researched extensively to prepare runners able to handle variety and maybe have an element of SUV.

2024's Trio

It is certainly striking the latest entrants for this year’s Arc experienced a typically localized buildup: an extended midsummer break and then a run in a trial. It is not the biggest team previously entered overseas – four runners in 2022 were spread out in the lower positions – however, there is an unusual sense of strength in depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year allowing the pilgrims receive their due after years of loyalty for these athletes.

“Fundamentally, gambling is prohibited across the country with just four permitted activities, including thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has worked effectively of changing the image away from mere gambling as a multifaceted spectacle that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people with the sport uniquely to other countries.

“For local supporters, with elite runners lining up, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and the Middle East in numerous locations with similar surfaces, and this is the box the elusive prize for decades.”