Here's hoping bookmakers can take lessons from Virtual Grand National to heart

While it was widely anticipated that last week's Virtual Grand National would get additional attention this year in the absence of the real thing, few could have predicted just how popular it would turn out.

Without giving away too much of what went on behind the scenes, you can count the Racing Post, ITV and bookmakers in that sentiment. The last-named group were quick to latch on to growing interest in the event and played an instrumental role in raising the reported £2.6 million that will be donated to NHS charities.

The gesture and, importantly, restrictions on stakes helped to create a positive news story for the racing and betting industries. From racing's point of view, it was also worth noting which of its critics saw fit to continue their reflex argument against a race which was not actually taking place, giving a handy reference point for the future as to who is arguing in naked bad faith.