Virtual Grand National raises 2.6m pounds for NHS

LONDON: The virtual Grand National raised 2.6 million pounds ($3.2 million) for Britain’s National Health Service from the profit on betting on Saturday’s computer-generated race donated by bookmakers.

"We are overwhelmed with the public support for the Virtual Grand National and the support shown" for the NHS, said Michael Dugher, chairman of the Betting and Gaming Council. Shown live on television an audience of almost five million, more than double the figure that tuned in to see last year’s Epsom Derby, watched Potters Corner take the virtual Aintree spoils at 18-1, with hat-trick seeker and favourite Tiger Roll in fourth.

Coral spokesman David Stevens told The Racing Post: "We had no idea how popular the Virtual Grand National would be as it was a completely unique situation but throughout Saturday it became apparent that millions of people were still having their annual flutter on this famous race."

There is no racing until at least the beginning of May due to COVID-19 in Britain where the virus has claimed 4,934 lives with 47,806 confirmed hospital cases according to the latest official figures.