Inspired, William Hill to air The Grand National Race of Champions

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Inspired Entertainment, Inc. today announces that The Grand National Race of Champions, featuring some of the most famous runners and riders in the race's history, will be exclusively shown for the first time via William Hill's Facebook Live Channel today.

Featuring a field of some of the most successful horses to have raced at Aintree Racecourse over the past century, The Grand National Race of Champions was devised by Inspired Entertainment in association with Carm Productions and The Jockey Club. Using cutting-edge technology and HD graphics, The Grand National Race of Champions brings famous names from the likes of Red Rum, to Many Clouds, to Amberleigh House, together to virtually compete against each other over Aintree's famous fences. The form, odds and achievements of some of the most exceptional horses to have raced in the history of the course have been taken into account when building the complex algorithm that will later crown the winner of the Grand National Race of Champions.

Fans are invited to watch the race unfold live on William Hill's Facebook page and to join the conversation on twitter using #RaceOfChampions.

In addition to The Race of Champions, Inspired and William Hill's Virtual Grand National predictor race, featuring the declared runners and riders from 2017, will be aired on national television tonight ahead of the live event tomorrow.

An exclusive B3 Race of Champions slot is also now available on the William Hill games tab online and on mobile.

"The idea of seeing some of the most famous names in the history of Aintree compete against each other really captured the imagination of those involved in the project," said Steve Rogers, COO Digital Games, Inspired Entertainment. "The Aintree Grand National is one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the sporting calendar, and what better way to celebrate its advent in 2017 than with The Race of Champions in association with William Hill?"

Rogers added, "Our HD 3-D graphics are more sophisticated than ever, making it nigh on impossible to distinguish the virtual from reality; it's hugely exciting to see a field of famous runners race again. The project truly delivers the 'entertainment with an edge' which Inspired prides itself on offering to its customers, and I hope that punters enjoy watching it as much as we have enjoyed building it."

A William Hill spokesperson added, "The concept of The Race of Champions was an irresistible one for William Hill. Every year the public's enthusiasm and nostalgia for the race increases, and the idea of being able to bring those runners and riders from yesteryear back for one ultimate race was both compelling and great fun. Inspired is renowned throughout the industry for its innovation and quality of delivery, and this product is a testament to that."

The TV show, The Virtual Grand National 2017 will be aired on ITV 4 at 8 p.m. on Friday, 7 April 2017 and repeated at 11:30 a.m. after The Opening Show on ITV4 on Saturday, 8 April 2017. Highlights will be featured on ITV's first ever coverage of the Grand National.