An industry expert notes, “Residents of Japan and read a sports newspaper, three key disciplines come up. Baseball is one, one is sumo wrestling, and the other one is thoroughbred racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, with the Arc as the ultimate goal in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. I think that’s why the nation are deeply connected.”
Annual Pilgrimage
Countless enthusiasts from Japan making the 12,000-mile round trip along with many more watching from Japan, it is that time as usual. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender at the Arc, came in 11th back in 1969, 32 more have tried and failed. On Sunday, additional challengers – the latest hopefuls – will take their shot.
A prime instance of unwavering effort despite heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. England fans might complain about 59 years of hurt, yet their squad boasts a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has developed as the wealthiest and top-performing internationally. But the return for the trillions of yen and extensive travel is a string of increasingly agonising disappointments.
Bitter Defeats
- El Condor Pasa came up just short against the winner while in front until the last moment.
- Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, finished a close third in 2006 though subsequently disqualified over a drug violation.
- Nakayama Festa was narrowly beaten by the victor.
- The 2012 favorite took command a furlong out yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.
Unfavorable track conditions along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have contributed to the winless streak. Runners used to quick surfaces at home come unstuck on the deep ground common in Paris this time of year. However, Kusano believes it’s also a gradual education. “For an owner victorious in the Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We might be able to win an Arc,’ yet that isn’t true because it looks similar, the challenges are unique.
“Racing surfaces in Japan are very level with domestic runners are trained to become sprint specialists, overseas, a sturdier type, as the turf seems perfect in reality, the going varies. And that’s why racing teams have researched extensively to bring horses able to handle variety and greater resilience.
This Year's Hopefuls
It is certainly striking the latest entrants for this year’s Arc have all had a typically European training regimen: an extended midsummer break then a tune-up event. While not the largest squad previously entered in an Arc – a quartet two years ago were spread out in the lower positions – but it has impressive quality.
Could this be the breakthrough when the travelling fans are rewarded for their indefatigable devotion behind their stars.
“Basically, gambling is prohibited in Japan and there are only four permitted activities, one of which is the turf,” he adds. “However, the JRA has done a very good job to reshape perceptions away from mere gambling into a broader entertainment accessible to all, connecting fans to the events uniquely to other countries.
“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors entering, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. Success abroad and other regions in numerous locations where conditions align, the Arc remains the elusive prize for decades.”
