VIRTUAL GRAND NATIONAL 2020 - 4 April - HOW IT WORKS AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THE SWEEPSTAKE KIT

Manchester Evening News 2 April 2020 -by Saffron Otter

© PA A virtual version of the Grand National is set to go ahead this weekend 

Like other sporting events, the Grand National has been cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, millions are still expected to tune in to ITV on Saturday April 4 to catch the virtual race, which has been put on by organisers in its place.

Betting for the race is currently open, with all proceeds being donated to NHS charities.

How does it work?

The Virtual Grand National will be a computer-stimulated replica of the world-famous Aintree track.

It will feature the 40 horses and riders who were most likely to run.

© PA It will feature the 40 horses and riders who were most likely to run

Designed by Inspired Entertainment, they will use generated imagery to recreate all aspects of the course layout.

It does this by using data taken from the previous performances by the horses, and the outcome will use factors such as age, weight, and form to decide which horse is best place to win.

This data has then also generated odds on who is most likely to win.

How to watch

The virtual race will be broadcast on ITV1 from 5pm [UK time] on Saturday, April 4.

Coverage will be led by Nick Luck and Alice Plunkett, with Stewart Machin commentating.

However, the race won't be live as it has been pre-recorded.

How to take part

Whilst the money from betting will be donated to the NHS, you can create your own winnings by hosting a sweepstake at home.

We've created a kit that has all the 40 riders and horses, along with a table to keep track of which person has which horse.

All you need to do is cut out the individual horses, and then each player has to pick one, or however many, out at random.

You can then follow the race rooting for a certain player, which will make it a lot more exciting.

The M.E.N's sweepstake kit can be found above or by following this link.

Good luck!

© PA Grand National Winner Tiger Roll with trainer Gordon Elliott (left), and owner Michael O'Leary

Horses and riders in the race

1. Tiger Roll, Davy Russell

2. Bristol De Mai, Daryl Jacob

3. Aso, Charlie Deutsch

4. Elegant Escape, Jonjo O'Neill jnr

5. Anibale Fly, Barry Geraghty

6. Top Ville Ben, Tom Dowson

7. Beware The Bear, Jerry McGrath

8. Peregrine Run, Kevin Sexton

9. Jett, Sam Waley-Cohen

10. Alpha Des Obeaux, Richard Johnson

11. Total Recall, Paul Townend

12. The Storyteller, Keith Donoghue

13. Magic Of Light, Robbie Power

14. Talkischeap, Tom Cannon

15. Yala Enki, Bryony Frost

16. Ballyoptic, Sam Twiston-Davies

17. Burrows Saint, Rachael Blackmore

18. Definitly Red, Brian Hughes

19. Sub Lieutenant, JJ Slevin

20. Ok Corral, Derek O’Connor

21. Tout Est Permis, Sean Flanagan

22. Vintage Clouds, Danny Cook

23. Crievehill, Tom Bellamy

24. Lake View Lad, Henry Brooke

25. Jury Duty, Mark Enright

26. Pleasant Company, David Mullins

27. Acapella Bourgeois, Danny Mullins

28. Shattered Love, Lisa O'Neill

29. Any Second Now, Mark Walsh

30. Potters Corner, Jack Tudor

31. Dounikos, Luke Dempsey

32. Kildisart, Nico de Boinville

33. Death Duty, Gavin Brouder

34. Ramses De Teillee, Tom Scudamore

35. Valtor, James Bowen

36. Saint Xavier, David Maxwell

37. Warriors Tale, Harry Cobden

38. Double Shuffle, Jonathan Burke

39. Kimberlite Candy, Richie McLernon

40. Walk In The Mill, James Best