Virtual Grand National raises over £2.6m for NHS Charities Together

Saturday's Virtual Grand National is set to raise more than £2.6million for the NHS in the fight against coronavirus.

A television audience of nearly five million people watched on ITV yesterday evening as a computer-simulated version of the world-famous steeplechase was won by an avatar of the Christian Williams-trained 18-1 shot Potters Corner, ahead of Walk In The Mill, Any Second Now and favourite Tiger Roll.

The virtual event - which used special algorithms - was held at the same time as the 173rd edition of the actual Grand National was originally scheduled to take place at Aintree before being cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

More importantly than still providing racing and general sporting fans with something to watch, the event was also held with a view to raising money for the NHS, with bookmakers - who offered fixed odds markets to a maximum stake of £10 each-way - pledging to donate their profits to NHS Charities Together, an umbrella organisation that represents over 140 NHS charities.

It was revealed on Sunday afternoon that a sum in excess of £2.6m (after winnings and duties are paid) had been raised for those important causes, with the UK's Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) encouraging winners to also donate some of their profits to charity.

"We are overwhelmed with the public support for the virtual Grand National and the support shown for NHS Charities Together," said BGC chief executive Michael Dugher.

"When the nation was in much need of some light relief, millions joined in the fun in honour of one of Britain’s greatest sporting events and helped raise a fantastic amount for our brave heroes in the NHS.

"The country is going through what is little short of a nightmare at the moment, so it was heartwarming to see pictures on social media of so many people enjoying themselves watching the excellent ITV Racing and Carm Productions programme which had such impressive viewing figures."

He added: "It’s also fantastic that the Jockey Club will be donating 10,000 tickets to the NHS and social care sector in Merseyside for the first day of the 2021 Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree”.

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