Virtual Grand National raises spirits and real cash for NHS

Former Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies wanted one small matter cleared up as part-owner of the big race winner Potters Corner at Aintree on Saturday: "So is there Virtual Grand National prize-money?".

With the world's most famous steeplechase falling victim to the coronavirus shutdown, the computer-generated edition, now in its third year, found itself taking centre stage.

Tiger Roll, seeking a historic third straight win, was sent off favourite but had to settle for fourth behind 18-1 shot Potters Corner, the winner according to complex mathematical algorithms.

Bookmakers are donating all profits from betting on the animated race shown live on ITV to Britain's state-run National Health Service, in the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.

David Stevens of betting firm Coral told The Racing Post it had provided some welcome respite: "The Virtual Grand National proved to be a really popular replacement for the real thing."

He said it had provided "a fun opportunity for people to ...