Several near misses during Japan's 47-year quest

Japan is a racing-mad nation and there is no race the country covets more than the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but luck has deserted their attempts to land the prize.

El Condor Pasa, second in 1999
Speed Symboli, the first Japanese runner in the Arc, finished 11th in 1969, but the obsession was really ignited when El Condor Pasa was runner-up to the mighty Montjeu. It looked like the four-year-old would strike when pulling clear in the straight but Mick Kinane was able to inspire Montjeu to run him down.

Deep Impact, third in 2006 (subsequently disqualified)
Racing royalty in Japan, Deep Impact had been beaten only once when he arrived at Lonchamp andhis legion of fanatical supporters backed him into odds-on with the French tote. Their faith was not justified as the son of Sunday Silence – now an all-conquering sire and the father of Makahiki – found little in the closing stages behind Rail Link and was later disqualified for testing positive for a banned substance.