'The race that never was' - ITV gears up for Virtual Grand National show

It might not be the real thing but Saturday's Virtual Grand National has the potential to attract a huge television audience due to diminished sporting offerings in the wake of Britain's coronavirus shutdown.

An audience peak of 9.6 million watched Tiger Roll's historic second victory in the real thing on ITV last year. This time round viewers can watch a computer-generated simulation, the trailer for which entitles it as 'the race that never was'.

ITV have been reluctant to speculate as to a likely audience figure but interest in the race – in the absence of anything else – has been growing in the days leading up to the broadcast.

Tiger Roll is the favourite once again. Gordon Elliott's superstar won Aintree's famous steeplechase in 2018 and 2019 and he also won the virtual version two years ago.

The broadcast begins at 5pm on Saturday, on ITV1, in the same slot in which the Randox Health Grand National was scheduled before the event was cancelled last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tiger Roll: became the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals last seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Racing TV presenter Nick Luck leads the broadcast and is joined by pundits Alice Plunkett and Richard Pitman while Stewart Machin is on commentary duty.

Bookmakers have also been keen to support the race and on Wednesday announced all profits taken from bets on the race are pledged to go to NHS Charities Together, the umbrella organisation that represents more than 140 NHS charities.

Coral's Simon Clare reported on Friday: "The uptake has been really good. We've seen a good number of bets across all runners, it's even been a little surprising. If this is anything like a normal Grand National day, interest should grow and grow through the day.

"Some of the national media have really taken the Virtual Grand National initiative on board and given it great publicity. It's a day generally fuelled by the media in part and the absence of sport means that people are looking for some light relief.

"This is a totally one-size-fits-all idea and the bookies aren't fighting for business with best prices – the stakes are limited and odds are set. Even if you lose, you're winning when you consider the NHS are going to benefit. There is no obligation for people to have a bet either and donations can always be made directly to the NHS."

Read more on the Virtual Grand National

2020 Virtual Grand National: how does the race work and when is it on?

How to run a Virtual Grand National sweepstake when you can't leave your house

Jokes and faux-outrage as racing reacts to Virtual Grand National

Bookmakers pledge profits from virtual Grand National will go to NHS charities

Bookmakers have pledged to donate any profits from betting on the Virtual Grand National to the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. You can donate to this important cause here