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The Virtual Grand National began in 2017 with its inaugural race, and has been held every year since<\/strong>, going on to earn a regular spot for broadcasters the day before the event. Punters can even use the VGN as a predictor for their betting options for the real-life race itself, with the software designed to replicate all of the rigours of the physical racecourse.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n \n
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In 2020<\/strong>, the VGN took on greater prominence after the actual Grand National was cancelled for the first time since World War Two due to the ongoing pandemic. The virtual race was broadcast by ITV during the allotted slot for the real-life race as a replacement for the latter, meeting an audience of 4.8 million viewers in the United Kingdom on ITV at the peak time of 17:15 BST.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n \n
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In light of the pandemic, bookmakers altered the style of their wagers for the contest, offering bets only up to \u00a310 each-way. However, the top betting sites in the industry teamed up with NHS Charities Together,<\/strong> raising \u00a32.6m as part of the profits from the event. Although the Grand National returned in 2021, the Virtual Grand National remained prevalent both on television and as a betting event as a whole, as Potters Corner won the virtual race. The horse was not as successful in the real thing, but the record of the VGN has proven to be a solid indicator of how the real-life charges will fare over the four miles and 40 fences of the prestigious race.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n \n
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The 2022 event retained the event's popularity and was broadcast live the day before, after which it was replayed on ITV before the actual race began. Snow Leopardess<\/strong> won the race ahead of Any Second Now and Delta Work.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nDifferences Between the VGN and the Grand National<\/h2>\n \n\n \n The primary difference between the Virtual Grand National and the Grand National is fairly obvious: one is a computer simulation and the other is a real-life event<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n When it comes to the actual Grand National, anything can happen, from incredible feats of speed and athleticism from horses to dramatic falls that can end the fortunes of even the most talented of competitors. The roar of the crowd can also not be accounted for during a simulation, with up to 75,000 spectators cheering on their respective horses to get over the line in first place.<\/p>\n\n
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Even with the latest CGI technology and mathematical algorithms, the electrifying atmosphere and sense that anything could happen is unmatched. In 2022, Noble Yeats<\/strong> won the race at odds of 50\/1 and his jockey Sam Waley-Cohen<\/strong> became the first amateur champion since 1990. Truly an incredible event.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n There are also differences between the betting options<\/strong> for the Virtual Grand National and the Grand National, with Virtual options more basic compared to Grand National odds. That said, the markets that will be available include outright and each-way options, which both offer great value.<\/p>\n\n\n
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However, the odds for the main meet are a lot more diverse. Apart from each-way Grand National<\/strong><\/a> betting and outright wagers, you will also be able to place forecasts, tricasts, and many other types of exciting alternatives.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\nVirtual Grand National 2024 Odds<\/h2>\n \n\n \n We will publish the latest odds for the 2024 VGN once they are available.<\/p>\n\n
Virtual Grand National Winners<\/h2>\n \n\n\n
Year<\/th> Winner<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> 2022<\/td> Snow Leopardess<\/td><\/tr> 2021<\/td> Cloth Cap<\/td><\/tr> 2020<\/td> Potters Corner<\/td><\/tr> 2019<\/td> Rathvinden<\/td><\/tr> 2018<\/td> Tiger Roll<\/td><\/tr> 2017<\/td> Cause of Causes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWhen Is the 2024 Virtual Grand National Taking Place?<\/h2>\n \n\n \n The VGN usually takes place one day before the actual event, so with the 2024 Grand National set to be held on 13th April, we're looking at a tentative date of the 12th of the same month.<\/p>\n\n
\n However, with the 2023 Virtual Grand National not having taken place at all, we can't confirm anything at the time of writing. We do remain hopeful that it will return in 2024, though, judging by the Tweet below from William Hill ambassador Nick Luck:<\/p>\n\n