A former JRA representative notes, “Residents of Japan and pick up a racing paper, three major sports are featured. One is baseball, one is sumo wrestling, and the other one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. It’s full of excitement and allure, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. That explains the nation are so attached.”
Renewed Ambition
Countless enthusiasts from Japan journeying to Paris plus additional viewers watching from Japan, it is that time annually. Ever since the first entrant, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, placed 11th over five decades ago, three dozen others sought victory in vain. At Longchamp, additional challengers – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – aim to break the streak.
A prime instance of determination in the face of painful and often bitter experience, few stories compare across sports. England fans may grumble about 59 years of hurt, but the national team can claim a World Cup win. In recent decades, Japan’s racing industry has developed into the richest and most successful in the world. But the return for the trillions of yen and extensive travel are numerous of painful near-misses.
Heartbreak and Near-Misses
- A 1999 runner was narrowly defeated by the champion while in front until the last moment.
- The legendary Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
- An unexpected challenger lost by a mere head Workforce.
- Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead a furlong out then drifted and got caught in the closing strides.
Bad ground along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have contributed in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Horses accustomed to firm turf domestically come unstuck in softer conditions common in Paris this time of year. Kusano, though thinks it has also been a gradual education. “For an owner taking a classic race, normally they will think: ‘The Arc is possible,’ but sometimes it’s not the case since it appears comparable, but it’s a totally different game.
“Racing surfaces in Japan are very level and the Japanese horses bred to be like a Formula One car, overseas, a sturdier type, because the surface seems perfect yet underfoot, it feels different. Hence the Japanese connections have researched extensively to prepare runners which both run on smooth ground with added stamina.
Current Contenders
It is certainly striking the latest entrants set to compete underwent a typically European training regimen: time off in summer and then a run in a trial. It is not the biggest team ever sent for this race – four runners in 2022 placed apart among the also-rans – yet they possess impressive quality.
Is success imminent when the travelling fans are rewarded after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.
“Basically, betting is restricted in Japan only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, one of which is horse racing,” notes the expert. “However, the JRA has succeeded of changing the image from purely a betting sport as a multifaceted spectacle for general audiences, and bonding people to the events in a different way to other countries.
“From a Japanese fan’s aspect, with elite runners entering, of course people will travel, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions across various venues where conditions align, the Arc remains the elusive prize for decades.”
