CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS is still buzzing after a ‘surreal’ 48 hours that saw Potters Corner hit the headlines with his Virtual National win.
The computer-generated race was a simulated success all round with bookies donating an amazing £2.6MILLION in profits to NHS Charities Together and the ITV show watched by nearly five million.
Williams, who trains right by the seaside at Ogmore in Glamorgan, South Wales, was delighted Potters Corner played his part when galloping home to beat Walk In The Mill.
He said: “It really gave the country a lift.
“From a personal point of view it was a surreal experience, just like the race itself.
“It’s all been brilliant fun and given people inside and outside of the sport something else to talk about in these sad times.
“It’s great for racing to be able to bring a smile to people’s faces and, of course, raise a hell of a lot of money for the NHS too.”
There was no traditional Grand National homecoming for Potters Corner yesterday . . . but Williams hopes that will come next year.
He said: “I was thinking of putting a plaque on his stable door saying ‘Virtual Grand National Winner 2020 and we might still do that!
“Maybe his win will turn out to be a good omen for next year and we will all be there at Aintree next year to win the real thing.”
While the computer version of Potters Corner was busy doing the business at 18-1 for young jock Jack Tudor, the real horse was taking in the sea air in a field near Williams’ yard.
The trainer said: “I turned him out into the field about ten days ago — but thankfully the computer didn’t know that!
“He’s had his winter rugs on as it’s been a bit cold but we’ll take those off and give him a good feed. He is such a kind and laid-back horse. He deserves a few extra nuts!”
Punters certainly went nuts about the race with 4.8million watching the race — a 30 per cent of total audience share.
The figure may have been even higher but for the fact the sunny day meant, despite the social distancing rules, many chose to go for an afternoon stroll.
Williams said: “The viewing figures were amazing and I’ve had all sorts of people messaging me from all walks of life!
“Before the race there was a real buzz as the day went on. During the action the exciting thing was seeing the reaction of my children.
“They were so happy. My wife and I watched it with them and it was brilliant. We had a bottle of champagne on Saturday night to celebrate, why not, hey?
“There was great coverage. Hopefully we’ll win the real one next year — I can’t imagine what it’ll be like then!
“After he won I was even on BBC News and ITV’s News At Ten and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing since. All I can say is the computer got it right!
“I really do hope it was the correct result as, if the real thing had been on, I think he’d have had a chance.”
Potters Corner is owned by a syndicate which includes former Wales rugby legend Jonathan Davies who said: “I didn’t know if to laugh or cry when he won but it was good fun and raised some serious money for the NHS.”
In truth the interest in the race was sparked by the industry bookies who came together with their charity initiative to allow punters to have their annual flutter. The total raised easily surpassed expectations.
Ladbrokes’ Nicola McGeady said: “The whole thing has been a huge success. It was all for a wonderful cause.”
William Hill’s Rupert Adams said: “We are delighted to have done our bit to help raise such a significant sum.
“Lots of punters won on the race but the real winner was NHS Charities Together.”
Coral’s David Stevens said: “We had no idea how popular it would be. It was fun but the most important thing is the donation to the charities of the NHS.”
