The Virtual Grand National is being televised for a third successive year on ITV after proving to be very popular.
The Grand National was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, sparking millions to tune in to watch its replacement - a computer-simulated running of the world's most famous National Hunt event. The special simulated race features the same horses and riders that will likely run in the spectacle at Aintree.
A virtual version of Europe's most valuable steeplechase ran alongside the real thing in 2021. Cloth Cap won the computer-generated race, while pulling up on the 28th fence in the real chase.
READ MORE: Grand National 2022 final 40 runners and riders confirmed at Aintree
The programme returned to our screens again this year on Friday, April 8 at 9.15pm on ITV4 with Snow Leopardess winning the race. It is being screened again on ITV 1 at 1pm ahead of the real race on Saturday, April 9.
The virtual version of the Grand National began in 2017 and has become a big fundraiser for NHS Charities Together, raising over £3m for the NHS. Here's everything you need to know about the 2022 Virtual Grand National:
How can I watch it?
The Grand National Race of Champions virtual race aired on Friday, April 8 at 9.15pm BST. ITV4 broadcast the race live for viewers in the United Kingdom on TV and on the ITV Hub for free.
The Virtual Grand National is shown again on ITV1 at 1pm on Saturday ahead of the real race at 5:15pm.
How does it work?
The Virtual Grand National is a computer-simulated version of Aintree's world-famous steeplechase, designed by Inspired Entertainment.
They use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to recreate, as accurately as possible, all aspects of the race such as the course layout and National fences. The simulation itself is made up of various mathematical algorithms using data taken from the horses' previous performances.
The race's outcome uses a number of factors such as age, weight, form and weather conditions but also contains details such as fallers, unseated riders and collapsing fences. The four previous Virtual Grand Nationals have been strikingly accurate, with Tiger Roll completing the virtual-real life double in 2018.
How is the race run?
Runners and riders race over the 30 fences they would take in the real Grand National, with the animation created by Inspired Entertainment. The company has been recreating the action and settings of some of the world's most famous sporting events for over 15 years.
Follow Grand National 2022 coverage on the Liverpool Echo here
