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A former JRA representative notes, “If you’re living in Japan and open a racing paper, three major sports appear. One is baseball, sumo wrestling is another, and the other one is horse racing. We are always exposed to racing, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. There is drama and romance, especially the Arc quest because we’ve been trying to win for over five decades. This is the reason Japanese people are so attached.”

Renewed Ambition

A multitude of devotees making the 12,000-mile round trip and millions more tuning in back home, it is that time as usual. Beginning with Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner in Europe’s premier race, placed 11th back in 1969, 32 more attempted without success. On Sunday, additional challengers – this year’s candidates – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of unwavering effort despite heartbreaking losses, it’s nearly unmatched in international sport. Supporters of England may grumble regarding their own drought, yet their squad does at least have a global title. Over the last 30 years, Japan’s racing industry has grown as the leading and most lucrative in the world. Yet the result for the trillions of yen and extensive travel is a string of painful near-misses.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• A 1999 runner finished half a length behind Montjeu after leading to the final strides.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, was less than a length behind in 2006 later stripped of placement over a drug violation.
• Nakayama Festa lost by a mere head the victor.
• Orfevre charged into a clear lead in the final stretch yet veered and got caught in the closing strides.

Heavy going and bad luck, with the draw and in the race, have contributed in Japan’s 0-for-33 record. Horses accustomed to lightning-fast going at home often struggle on testing tracks common in Paris this time of year. Kusano, though suggests it was a gradual education. “For an owner and you win a Japanese Derby, the natural conclusion is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ but sometimes it’s not the case while it seems alike, but it’s a totally different game.

“Racing surfaces in Japan is really flat and the Japanese horses bred to be sprint specialists, abroad, you need an SUV, since the ground looks green and smooth yet underfoot, it feels different. Hence trainers and owners have researched extensively to bring horses suited to firm conditions and maybe have an element of SUV.

This Year's Hopefuls

Interestingly that the three Japanese challengers set to compete underwent what could be described as European training regimen: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. It is not the biggest team previously entered overseas – several in the past were spread out in the lower positions – yet they possess an unusual sense of strength in depth.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims are rewarded for their indefatigable devotion for these athletes.

“In essence, wagering is limited nationally only a handful of permitted activities, including thoroughbred racing,” notes the expert. “But the Japan Racing Association has done a very good job in rebranding the sport from purely a betting sport to a more diverse sport accessible to all, connecting fans with the sport uniquely internationally.

“In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors participating, naturally, fans journey, to share in the challenge. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions in numerous locations with similar surfaces, and this is the box the elusive prize for a long time.”