Potters Corner has won the 2020 Virtual Grand National.
With the real Grand National cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic that has seen all racing in Britain suspended until at least the end of April, the 18-1 shot beat Walk In The Mill and Any Second Now in the digital event, as the much-fancied Tiger Roll faded after the last fence to place fourth.
And there was some true digital drama when 66-1 outsider Aso surged into the lead late in the race, only to fall at the 29th fence.
That fall saw Potters Corner inherit the lead, although the Welsh favourite was pushed all the way by Walk In The Mill.
Tiger Roll had been due to seek an unprecedented third consecutive win in Saturday's big race before it was called off on 16 March.
The digital race, which was televised by ITV, used the latest CGI technology and best information available to produce the most accurate outcome possible.
Bookmakers offered fixed odds markets to a maximum stake of £10 each-way, with all of the proceeds donated to the NHS Charities Together organisation.
Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Michael Dugher said: "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.
"With the UK understandably and rightly in lockdown, unfortunately the Grand National can’t take place.
"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.’
2020 Virtual Grand National
Results
1. Potters Corner (18-1)
2. Walk In The Mill (16-1)
3. Any Second Now (10-1)
4. Tiger Roll (5-1)
5. Burrows Saint (12-1)
