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Kanichi Kusano observes, “Residents of Japan and read a sports newspaper, three major sports come up. First is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is the sport of kings. The sport is ubiquitous, and these athletes are stunning. The challenge and passion are palpable, and a challenge to the Arc because we’ve been trying to win for more than 50 years. That explains Japanese people are emotionally invested.”

Annual Pilgrimage

Countless enthusiasts from Japan traveling the long distance plus additional viewers following live broadcasts, it is that time once again. Since Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, placed 11th back in 1969, 32 more sought victory in vain. At Longchamp, another trio – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will take their shot.

One standout case of determination in the face of heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. England fans could lament over decades of disappointment, but the national team boasts a major trophy. Over the last 30 years, Japanese horse racing has developed as the leading and most lucrative internationally. All it has to show for the trillions of yen and millions of air miles is a series of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• El Condor Pasa was narrowly defeated by the winner while in front until the last moment.
• Deep Impact, attracting huge crowds, finished a close third in 2006 later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• Nakayama Festa was just a head behind Workforce.
• Perhaps the most painful took command a furlong out yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.

Unfavorable track conditions combined with misfortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have been factors in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Entrants familiar with firm turf in Japan often struggle on the deep ground that generally prevails during the Arc. Kusano, though believes it’s also an evolving strategy. “For an owner taking a classic race, often the thought is: ‘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 is really flat with domestic runners bred to be like a Formula One car, abroad, more versatile athletes, since the ground looks green and smooth but when you walk on it, it’s totally different. This is why the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to select entrants suited to firm conditions with added stamina.

This Year's Hopefuls

It is certainly striking that the three Japanese challengers in the upcoming race have all had what could be described as European training regimen: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. This isn’t the most numerous group ever sent for this race – several in the past were spread out further back – however, there is notable depth.

So perhaps this will finally be the year allowing the pilgrims are rewarded after years of loyalty behind their stars.

“Fundamentally, betting is restricted nationally and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, among them thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has succeeded in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport accessible to all, and bonding people with the sport uniquely to other countries.

“For local supporters, as top competitors lining up, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions and most places where conditions align, and this is the box the final goal for a long time.”