Charities were the big winners of the Grand National after MPs from around the country joined in the action by placing charity bets.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the standards body for the regulated UK betting and gaming industry, invited MPs to visit either a Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred or independent betting shop in their constituency and place a free £50 bet ahead of the world’s greatest steeplechase.

Even if their horse didn’t come in, £100 would be given to a good cause of their choice.

Monmouth MP David Davies was among those who had a flutter at the Betfred shop in Chepstow town centre.

His nominated charity was the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Noble Yeats, the 50-1 outsider ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen in his final race before retirement, took victory at Aintree on Saturday.

But with no MP backing the winner, every nominated charity will now receive £250 after BCG members upped the stakes and increased the donation.

This year’s Grand National was watched on TV by 7.5 million people in the UK and an estimated 600 million more watching worldwide. Around 13 million people placed bets.

It was the first time since 2019 that bookies were open on race day due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Davies said: “The Grand National is one of those great sporting moments when the whole nation comes together.

“I was delighted to visit Betfred in Chepstow to meet staff and customers. I am very grateful for the generous offer of a charity bet and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the significant work Betfred has been doing on safer gambling.

“Betting shops have an important place in the constituency. They are a big employer, bring vital revenue to our high streets and support the local economy through tax and business rates.”

According to industry research and a recent study by ESA Retail, 89 per cent of betting shop customers combine their trip to the bookies with visits to other local businesses.

Betting shops also support 46,000 jobs on the UK’s hard-pressed high streets, contribute £1bn a year in tax to the Treasury and another £60m in business rates to local councils.

Michael Dugher, chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, added: “I would like to thank David Davies for visiting Betfred in Chepstow and taking part in the BGC’s charity bet on the Grand National.

“We are pleased he was able to hear about how our members are boosting local economies, providing community to millions of betting and gaming fans, and promoting safer play.”