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

The Virtual Grand National has garnered a lot of interest on social media, not least from Jamie Snowden, who was frustrated that Hogan's Height missed the cut for the simulated showpiece.

"Shame Hogan's Height hasn't made the cut for this when virtually guaranteed a run in the real race and being as short as 33-1 in places," the trainer wrote on Twitter.

The race, which will be shown on ITV1 at 5pm on Saturday, will however feature Peregrine Run, who would not have qualified for the real thing as he does not fulfil the necessary criteria.

The ten-year-old has won 16 times for Peter Fahey and the trainer's stable jockey Kevin Sexton joked on social media: "First ride in the Grand National and I'll be sitting at home myself."

The rider was quickly put in his place by Paul Leech, a well-known owner with Fahey, who tweeted: "Unfortunately, you're a non-runner. Peregrine Run isn't qualified."

Peregrine Run: among the field for the Virtual Grand NationalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jonathan Burke also expressed fears of failing to make weight. Burke has found himself aboard Double Shuffle, who gets in off just 10st 4lb and, shared an image of him as a youngster.

"Delighted to have made the cut for the virtual Grand National but have to report I won't do the weight," the tweet read.

The Virtual Grand National is just a bit of fun and, judging by Twitter, it has helped to lift people's spirits during unprecedented times.

Jack Cantillon, who runs Syndicates Racing, had hoped to be represented in the real thing by Cabaret Queen but the Munster National winner did not even make the cut for the virtual race.

He tweeted: "We're disappointed Willie [Mullins] has made the decision not to declare Cabaret Queen for the Virtual Grand National. He wasn't happy to declare on an artificial surface."

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It may only be a simulation but eyebrows were raised when Paul Townend was partnered with the Mullins-trained Total Recall instead of Burrows Saint, who would hold more obvious claims.

He is owned by Rich Ricci, whose racing manager Joe Chambers was equally surprised by Townend's snub but was delighted to have such an able deputy in Rachael Blackmore.

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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