McCoy gives thumbs up to NHS Fundraiser on Virtual Grand National

Anthony McCoy has given his backing to the bookmaker initiative that will see all profits from bets taken on this weekend’s Virtual Grand National donated to the NHS.

With racing in Britain suspended until at least the end of April due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s running of the world’s greatest steeplechase will not take place.

But ITV announced plans last week to air a ‘virtual’ version, using the latest CGI technology and algorithms, in a special programme on Saturday to be hosted by Nick Luck, with the race taking place at 5.15pm, replicating the start time of the real thing.

Among the Betting and Gaming Council members involved in raising funds for the NHS are bet365, William Hill, Flutter Entertainment, Sky Bet, GVC, Betfred, Betway, BetVictor, JenningsBet and Inspired Entertainment.

Tiger Roll has been priced up as the 5-1 favourite, ahead of Ted Walsh’s Any Second Now at 10-1 and Willie Mullins’ Burrows Saint at 12-1.

McCoy, who famously won the Aintree spectacular at the 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It in 2010, said: “Most of all it’s a great cause — you wouldn’t expect anything else, but it’s good of the bookmakers to be doing it.

“For those people that are working in the NHS, doing the work they are at the moment, it must be horrific, what they are seeing at times.

“Hopefully those people on the way home can tune in and see the money being raised. The way the world is at the moment sport is obviously second fiddle, but a little break is something that might help everyone and it’s for a great cause in the NHS.”

The 20-times champion, who is an ambassador for William Hill, added: “I’d have gone for Burrows Saint in the real one, I just thought having won the Irish Grand National last year he’d have had plenty going for him.

“If we were being realistic I’d say Burrows Saint, but a better story would be Tiger Roll winning — I’d like Tiger Roll to win the Virtual Grand National. I hope none of them get bad rides!”