2020 Grand National – A Virtual Race Will Replace the Cancelled Event

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585925275284{padding-top: 150px !important;padding-bottom: 150px !important;background-image: url(https://www.equestriansurfaces.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/grand-national.jpg?id=2254) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”2020 Grand National – A Virtual Race Will Replace the Cancelled Event ” heading_tag=”h1″ el_class=”shadow” margin_design_tab_text=””][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As one of the most widely known mainstream equestrian events of the year, the Grand National has been watched and attended by millions since its inception in February 1839.

Amidst growing concerns about the spread of coronavirus – a global pandemic which has put a number of countries into lockdown over the past few weeks – this year’s race has been cancelled, and will instead be replaced by a virtual race.

This will be the first time since 1967 that a virtual simulation has replaced the real event; the Grand National of the 1967-68 racing season was cancelled due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, and replaced by a simulation broadcasted on the BBC.

 

Spectators will be able to tune into a live broadcast of the Virtual Grand National race on ITV1, at 5pm on Saturday 4^th April.

 

How does a virtual race work?

Created by Inspired Entertainment, the Virtual Grand National is a computer-simulated race in which the results are calculated by a set of algorithms using data taken from the horses’ previous performances. These algorithms also take into account a number of other factors, including age, weight, form, and weather conditions, as well as incorporating conditional elements, such as fallen horses, unseated riders, and collapsing fences.

The course is a closely accurate recreation of the real racecourse at Aintree, mirroring its layout and the location and height of its fences.

Odds for the race have been generated by a computer and are based upon the data on each of the 40 runners. The three previous Virtual Grand National races have proven to be strikingly accurate, matching the 2018 Grand National result which saw Tiger Roll finish in first place.  

 

Who’s running in the Virtual Grand National?

Horses are listed in order of their number, alongside the name of their jockey, their odds and weight.

1          Tiger Roll, Davy Russell, 5-1, 11-10

2          Bristol De Mai, Daryl Jacob, 20-1, 11-8

3          Aso, Charlie Deutsch, 661, 11-2

4          Elegant Escape, Jonjo O’Neill (Jr.), 20-1, 11-2

5          Anibale Fly, Barry Geraghty, 20-1, 11-2

6          Top Ville Ben, Tom Dowson, 45-1, 11-2

7          Beware the Bear, Jerry McGrath, 33-1, 11-0

8          Peregrine Run, Kevin Sexton, 66-1, 10-13

9          Jett, Sam Waley-Cohen, 50-1, 10-13

10        Alpha Des Obeaux, Richard Johnson, 25-1, 10-13

11        Total Recall, Paul Townend, 40-1, 10-13

12        The Storyteller, Keith Donoghue, 40-1, 10-12

13        Magic of Light, Robbie Power, 18-1, 10-12

14        Talkischeap, Tom Cannon, 25-1, 10-11

15        Yala Enki, Bryony Frost, 28-1, 10-11

16        Ballyoptic, Sam Twiston-Davies, 25-1, 10-11

17        Burrows Saint, Rachael Blackmore, 12-1, 10-10

18        Definitly Red, Brain Hughes, 14-1, 10-10

19        Sub Lieutenant, JJ Slevin, 33-1, 10-9

20        Ok Corral, Derek O’Connor, 25-1, 10-9

21        Tout Est Permis, Sean Flanagan, 80-1, 10-9

22        Vintage Clouds, Danny Cook, 33-1, 10-8

23        Crievehill, Tom Bellamy, 66-1, 10-8

24        Lake View Lad, Henry Brooke, 50-1, 10-8

25        Jury Duty, Mark Enright, 40-1, 10-8

26        Pleasant Company, David Mullins, 28-1, 10-7

27        Acapella Bourgeois, Danny Mullins, 33-1, 10-6

28        Shattered Love, Lisa O’Neill, 66-1, 10-6

29        Any Second Now, Mark Walsh, 10-1, 10-6

30        Potters Corner, Jack Tudor, 18-1, 10-6

31        Dounikos, Luke Dempsey, 50-1, 10-5

32        Kildisart, Nico de Boinville, 50-1, 10-5

33        Death Duty, Gavin Brouder, 50-1, 10-5

34        Ramses De Teille, Tom Scudamore, 66-1, 10-5

35        Valtor, James Bowen, 66-1, 10-4

36        Saint Xavier, David Maxwell, 66-1, 10-4

37        Warriors Tale, Harry Cobden, 80-1, 10-4

38        Double Shuffle, Jonathan Burke, 100-1, 10-4

39        Kimberlite Candy, Richie McLernon, 16-1, 10-4

40        Walk in the Mill, James Best, 16-1, 10-4

 

Bookmakers have pledged to donate their profits from the Virtual Grand National event to the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

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