Horse racing Europe’s richest race still inspires Japan’s racing fans

SPORT can be glorious, but it can also be torturous - just ask any fans of Japanese racing about that when it comes to the nation’s bid for a first success in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

- By JAMES BURN

The 1m4f contest, which takes place at Longchamp on the outskirts of Paris on October 5, is worth €5 million, which makes it Europe's richest race and one of the most valuable turf prizes on the planet, but that is not at the heart of Japan's quest to win it.

Their attempt this year has already taken a knock after Shin Emperor was ruled out on Wednesday following a dim display in Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes, although the country can still count on 8-1 third-favourite Croix Du Nord, 10-1 chance Byzantine Dream and Alohi Alii, whose odds range from 14-1 to 25-1.

Make no mistake, victory for any of the trio would be celebrated wildly for all that Japan is now a bona fide racing superpower, which has struck at the highest level in the States, Britain, Australia, Dubai and Hong Kong.