ParisLongchamp racecourse

Attention in Japan is turning to the ParisLongchamp racecourse ahead of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, with Japanese runners once again chasing a first win in the famous Paris race. Japanese racing media are highlighting an unusual statistic: no Japanese horse weighing 479kg or more has finished in the top five, and results on firm ground have also been poor despite strong performances in preparatory races. Fans continue to debate why Japan's challengers keep falling short.