THE Virtual Grand National returns this year – and it comes with a strong track record of finding the winner of the real thing.
The brilliant simulation unearthed 14-1 winner Tiger Roll in 2018.
Gordon Elliott’s stable star won again a year later but sadly won’t be at Aintree this year.
Still, there are 40 top runners to sift through this year, as one looks to take Minella Times’ title from last year.
And, in a special treat for fans, the producers of the virtual race are bringing in a new Race of Champions.
This will pit the likes of Arkle against Red Rum (and Tiger Roll) to see who would be the undisputed king over fences.
Below is all you need to know for the 2022 Virtual Grand National.
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The 2022 Virtual Grand National will take place on Friday, April 8.
The race will be shown on ITV4 at around 9.15pm – and replayed the following day at 1pm on Saturday, April 9.
On Friday night it will be shown on ITV4 and on the main ITV coverage on Saturday afternoon.
You can also watch via the ITV Hub.
In a new race of its kind for legendary horses, punters will be able to watch how iconic runners from different eras would have fared against each other.
Arkle will be joined by National Hunt legends like Desert Orchid, Dawn Run, Tiger Roll and Kauto Star, as they compete against 20 Grand National winners, led by the legendary Red Rum.
Producer Rob McLoughlin, who grew up near Aintree and devised the TV format said: “It’ll be fascinating to see horses like Arkle, Best Mate and Dessie get their shot at the big Aintree fences.
“They never ran in the ‘real’ Grand National, but thanks to the latest computer technology, we can see them in virtual action.
“They’re all brilliant horses, they won at Cheltenham, they won the King George, but this will be a real test of their stamina and jumping ability.
McLoughlin said: “Its results for the ‘predictor race’ have been so close since 2017, and last year it placed three of the top five finishers, including Rachael Blackmore on Minella Times.
“In 2018 it told the world how Tiger Roll would win, and he did so just a few hours later in almost identical circumstances.”
It remains to be seen whether bookies will offer a market on the virtual race this year.
Punters had no choice but to bet on the simulation in 2020 when the actual race was cancelled.
The race raised millions for the NHS in the process – but a packed house is expected at Aintree this year.
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