Virtual Grand National to make NHS ‘big winner’ by donating all profits to organisation’s charities

Real race was scheduled to be held at Aintree on Saturday

The Virtual Grand National is set to take place on Saturday and bookmakers will be donating all profits to the NHS as Britain’s healthcare system continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

The Grand National was originally set to take place at Aintree on Saturday, but was cancelled amid the outbreak of Covid-19 that has brought sport to a standstill.

In its place, the Virtual Grand National will be held, and a statement from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) on Wednesday confirmed that all money made from the bets taken will be donated to charity.

“Major betting operators have today confirmed that all profits from the race will be donated to NHS Charities Together, the umbrella organisation which represents over 140 NHS charities,” the statement read.

“Collectively, these charities contribute £1 million a day to support the work of our NHS.

“The initiative has the backing of Betting and Gaming Council members including bet365, William Hill, Flutter Entertainment, Sky Bet, GVC, BetFred, Betway, BetVictor, JenningsBet and Inspired Entertainment.”

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “With the UK understandably and rightly in lockdown, unfortunately the Grand National can’t take place, however, the Virtual Grand National will be the closest we can get to creating one of those moments when we can all come together in celebration – not just for the world’s greatest sporting events, but for the NHS heroes working on the front line to keep us all safe.

“I am delighted that our members have stepped up in this way to support the national effort to combat Covid-19 by contributing all of their race profits to NHS Charities Together.

“Millions of us love a flutter on the Grand National. For many, it’s the only time of the year they place a bet. This year, the big winner will be our NHS.”