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A former JRA representative explains, “If you’re living in Japan and read a sports newspaper, three major sports come up. Baseball is one, next is sumo, 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 as Japan has pursued victory for half a century. I think that’s why fans in Japan are emotionally invested.”

A Tradition of Hope

A multitude of devotees traveling the long distance and millions more tuning in back home, the moment has arrived annually. Since Speed Symboli, Japan’s pioneer contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, placed 11th over five decades ago, another 32 have tried and failed. On Sunday, another trio – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – aim to break the streak.

One standout case of persistence in the face of painful and often bitter experience, there is little to match it globally. England fans could lament about 59 years of hurt, but the national team can claim a global title. In recent decades, the nation’s turf sport has developed into the wealthiest and top-performing globally. Yet the result after enormous spending and countless journeys are numerous of increasingly agonising disappointments.

Heartbreak and Near-Misses

• One early contender was narrowly defeated by the champion after leading to the final strides.
• Deep Impact, bringing masses of supporters, nearly triumphed that year before being disqualified for banned medication.
• The 2010 entry was just a head behind the winning horse.
• Perhaps the most painful sprinted ahead in the final stretch yet veered and was chased down by Solemia.

Bad ground along with ill fortune, regarding post positions and racing incidents, have both played a part to the winless streak. Runners used to quick surfaces in Japan come unstuck in softer conditions typically found at Longchamp in early October. Kusano, though suggests it was an evolving strategy. “As a horse owner and you win a Japanese Derby, often the thought is: ‘We can conquer Europe,’ however, reality differs because it looks similar, the challenges are unique.

“The Japanese turf tend to be uniform with domestic runners bred to be sprint specialists, but in Europe, more versatile athletes, since the ground appears pristine yet underfoot, it’s totally different. Hence trainers and owners have adapted their approach to prepare runners suited to firm conditions with added stamina.

This Year's Hopefuls

It is certainly striking the latest entrants set to compete underwent what could be described as French preparation: a summer hiatus and then a run in a trial. This isn’t the most numerous group that Japan has fielded for this race – a quartet two years ago were spread out in the lower positions – however, there is impressive quality.

Is success imminent allowing the pilgrims are rewarded after years of loyalty to their equine heroes.

“In essence, wagering is limited across the country with just four officially approved gambling sports, one of which is horse racing,” he adds. “However, the JRA has worked effectively of changing the image away from mere gambling as a multifaceted spectacle for general audiences, uniting enthusiasts with the sport in a different way compared to elsewhere.

“For local supporters, with elite runners participating, supporters make the trip, to feel part of the drama. We’ve won in Hong Kong and other regions and most places on comparable tracks, this trophy is the final goal over many years.”