It's ludicrous to keep the Arc draw secret for the sake of a party - but here's how much punters should pay heed to it

Imagine being in a tiny group of people who held the most important piece of information in world racing at that moment and having 12 hours to sit on it. I am sure some people reading this would be sorely tempted to act on what they knew. At the very least, most of you would be acutely aware of your privilege.

We do not have to imagine this scenario; it is real and will be played out on Thursday. A handful of people will know the draw for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Thursday morning, but you and I will not find out until late into the evening.

It is all in aid of adding some jeopardy to the draw and jockey announcement ceremony, which lacked a bit of spice last year. It has also hamstrung 12 hours of betting in the day-of-race market on the world's biggest Flat race.