Virtual Grand National 2020 Q&A: How it works, runners, betting and profits to NHS
The 2020 Grand National at Aintree was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Virtual Grand Nats takes its place. Betting companies will donate profits from the Virtual Naps to help fight against Covid-19. Sportsmail answers the key questions surrounding the virtual version of the steeplechase.
Virtual Grand National uses CGI technology and algorithms to create a simulated version of the race. It features 40 runners and 30 fences. Cause of Causes won the Virtual Grand Nats in 2017 and finished second in the real thing in 2018. Rathvinden was first past the post in Virtual Naps and came third in 2019. The Virtual National is pre-recorded and will be shown on ITV on Saturday at 5 pm. For more information on the virtual Grand Nationals visit the official website.
The TV special will feature the 40 horses and riders most likely to run in the Aintree spectacular on Saturday evening.
Gordon Elliott trained Tiger Roll heads the field for the 2020 Grand National at Aintree. Tiger won the race at Cheltenham Festival recently.
Virtual Grand National could raise £1m for the NHS. The betting companies will not be making profit. All profits will be given to NHS Charities Together. Stakes restricted to £10 per horse per person or £ 10 each way per horses. Anyone placing winning bets will get paid. Tote will also be offering a pool on the simulated race with all profits going to charity.
There are a few people who know the result of the Virtual Grand National. There is no licensed betting operator involved in the information. Bookmakers will be taking bets on the race with profits going to NHS charities.
To win ITV's Race of Champions (Match Bet) you need to win Red Rum at 1/2 and Tiger Roll at 6/4.
The Virtual Grand National will be shown on ITV on Saturday, April 4 at 5 pm with the race at 6.15 pm. Red Rum won the Grand Nats in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Tiger Roll is looking to win the grand nats for the third consecutive year this weekend.
