MORE than £2.6million has been raised for the NHS from the Virtual Grand National.
The nation was glued to the TV on Saturday as a simulated version of the Aintree classic was broadcast on ITV.
It is believed around 4.8m people watched the race unfold from the comfort of their living rooms.
The four-and-a-half mile contest was won by 18/1 shot Potters Corner with favourite Tiger Roll, a 5/1 price, back in fourth.
Punters were allowed to put wagers on the race with most betting companies.
And it is being reported that at least £2.6m will be handed over by the bookies to the NHS who are of course battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Coral’s David Stephens said: “We had no idea how popular the Virtual Grand National would be as it was a completely unique situation, with the virtual version replacing the real thing.
“But throughout Saturday it became apparent that millions of people were still having their annual flutter on this famous race.
“The average stake per bet worked out at just over £2, which showed this virtual National really hit the spot in terms of providing a fun, one-off betting opportunity for so many people.
“And most importantly, all those small bets added up to a fantastic donation to NHS Charities Together.
“We are all seeing on a daily basis the amazing work the NHS are doing right now, so it’s entirely fitting that they are the real winners of this year’s virtual Grand National.”
“We all missed the real National not taking place, but it was right that it didn’t, and its cancellation has led to something we can all be proud of, and the icing on the cake for us at Coral was watching the Coral Welsh Grand National winner Potters Corner win the race! Fingers-crossed he can come back and win it for real in 2021,”
The announcement comes just a day after HOAR launched a £1million appeal to give all NHS frontline staff help they desperately require during this crisis.
Our Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff — from providing food and care packs to giving them somewhere to sit and rest.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in its urgent Covid-19 Appeal to make sure your money gets to health workers who need it.
And to start the ball rolling, HOAR — which each year celebrates our amazing hospital workers in our Who Cares Wins Awards — is donating £50,000.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today at our special giving page.
Every penny you give will go to NHS Charities Together, which supports 240 health service charities around the UK, to aid our brave carers.
Less than two weeks ago they launched a national appeal to raise millions to provide much-needed support for NHS staff and volunteers caring for thousands of Covid-19 sufferers.
