Kanichi Kusano observes, “Anyone in Japan and pick up a racing paper, three major sports are featured. Baseball is one, sumo wrestling is another, and the third is horse racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. It’s full of excitement and allure, with the Arc as the ultimate goal because we’ve been trying to win for more than 50 years. That explains Japanese people are so attached.”
Annual Pilgrimage
Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip along with many more following live broadcasts, the season is here annually. Beginning with Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in Europe’s premier race, came in 11th over five decades ago, 32 more attempted without success. On Sunday, another trio – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will take their shot.
As an example of determination in the face of repeated setbacks, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. England fans may grumble regarding their own drought, yet their squad boasts a major trophy. In recent decades, Japan’s racing industry has developed as the richest and most successful internationally. But the return for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a string of increasingly agonising disappointments.
Bitter Defeats
- El Condor Pasa finished half a length behind the winner after leading until the last moment.
- A national icon, attracting huge crowds, was less than a length behind in 2006 though subsequently disqualified due to a prohibited substance.
- An unexpected challenger was narrowly beaten by the victor.
- Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead a furlong out but wandered and was overtaken at the line.
Unfavorable track conditions along with ill fortune, with the draw and in the race, have both played a part to the winless streak. Horses accustomed to firm turf in Japan come unstuck on the deep ground typically found during the Arc. Kusano, though believes it’s also a gradual education. “For an owner victorious in the Derby, often the thought is: ‘The Arc is possible,’ however, reality differs while it seems alike, but it’s a totally different game.
“Racing surfaces in Japan is really flat with domestic runners are trained to become precision machines, abroad, a sturdier type, as the turf looks green and smooth yet underfoot, it feels different. Hence trainers and owners have studied a lot to prepare runners able to handle variety and greater resilience.
2024's Trio
It is certainly striking this year’s trio set to compete have all had an almost European training regimen: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. While not the largest squad that Japan has fielded in an Arc – four runners in 2022 were spread out in the lower positions – however, there is notable depth.
So perhaps this will finally be the year for the devoted supporters celebrate at last for unwavering support to their equine heroes.
“Fundamentally, wagering is limited nationally only a handful of officially approved gambling sports, including horse racing,” he adds. “However, the JRA has worked effectively of changing the image beyond wagering to a more diverse sport that everyone can enjoy, and bonding people to racing distinctly internationally.
“For local supporters, with elite runners entering, naturally, fans journey, to experience the excitement. Success abroad and other regions across various venues where conditions align, the Arc remains the final goal over many years.”
