🔗 Share this article Raiders of the Arc: Japan's Long-Awaited Five-Decade Pursuit in Paris. Kanichi Kusano explains, “If you’re living in Japan and pick up a sports newspaper, three key disciplines appear. First is baseball, next is sumo, and the final one is horse racing. The sport is ubiquitous, and thoroughbreds are beautiful animals. It’s full of excitement and allure, and a challenge to the Arc in this long-running endeavor for more than 50 years. This is the reason fans in Japan are so attached.” Renewed Ambition A multitude of devotees journeying to Paris and millions more following live broadcasts, the moment has arrived annually. Since Speed Symboli, the first Japanese-trained runner at the Arc, finished 11th in 1969, three dozen others attempted without success. At Longchamp, three more – Byzantine Dream, Alohi Alii and Croix Du Nord – will take their shot. As an example of determination despite painful and often bitter experience, there is little to match it across sports. British followers may grumble over decades of disappointment, but the national team can claim a World Cup win. Over the last 30 years, Japanese horse racing has grown to become the leading and most lucrative internationally. Yet the result after enormous spending and countless journeys is a string of painful near-misses. Bitter Defeats One early contender came up just short against Montjeu while in front near the finish. A national icon, who drew tens of thousands, finished a close third in 2006 before being disqualified for banned medication. The 2010 entry lost by a mere head the winning horse. Orfevre took command a furlong out but wandered and got caught at the line. Bad ground and bad luck, with the draw and in the race, have both played a part to the winless streak. Runners used to firm turf at home come unstuck in softer conditions that generally prevails this time of year. Kusano, though thinks it has also been part of a learning process. “For an owner victorious in the Derby, normally they will think: ‘The Arc is possible,’ yet that isn’t true since it appears comparable, the challenges are unique. “The Japanese turf is really flat and the Japanese horses are trained to become like a Formula One car, abroad, more versatile athletes, since the ground appears pristine but when you walk on it, it’s totally different. Hence the Japanese connections have adapted their approach to prepare runners which both run on smooth ground with added stamina. 2024's Trio It is certainly striking the latest entrants for this year’s Arc have all had an almost localized buildup: a summer hiatus then a tune-up event. While not the largest squad previously entered in an Arc – a quartet two years ago placed apart further back – however, there is impressive quality. Is success imminent when the travelling fans receive their due for unwavering support for these athletes. “Basically, betting is restricted across the country and there are only four officially approved gambling sports, among them horse racing,” Kusano says. “But the Japan Racing Association has worked effectively to reshape perceptions from purely a betting sport into a broader entertainment accessible to all, uniting enthusiasts to racing uniquely compared to elsewhere. “In the view of enthusiasts, as top competitors entering, supporters make the trip, to experience the excitement. Victories in Hong Kong and other regions in numerous locations with similar surfaces, the Arc remains the elusive prize for a long time.”