On what should have been the biggest day of the racing calendar, families up  and down the country will be feeling a little cheated today, and so all eyes will be on the next best thing when the Virtual Grand National gets underway.

Some commentators are predicting a TV audience close to the real thing - that was almost 10 million last year. You can catch the action at 5.15pm, live (virtually) on ITV.

But one thing that is still real is Ladies' Day, albeit from isolation.

Female racing fans from across the country have been sharing their best dresses and hats as they 'virtually attend the festival.

And they are competing to win the Best Dressed award set up by race organisers where women can submit their outfits via the Ladies' Day Facebook event page.

The competition closes on April 6 and the winners will win free hospitality packages for the 2021 Randox Health Grand National Ladies Day. 

Dickon White, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses North West, said: “Our Ladies’ Day is one of the highlights of the calendar for the people of Liverpool and the North West and there is always a fantastic atmosphere.

"While we’re disappointed that we can’t be there in person this year we’re determined to do all we can to lift people’s spirits and put a smile on people’s faces."

There is still an opportunity to have a flutter, with all bets obviously being placed online. And bookmakers have shown their generous side - and their solidarity with the nation - by announcing all profits will go to NHS charities.