Here's a bet you can't lose - this year stake your Grand National flutter on a charitable donation.

On the 6th April, the Grand National runs and hundreds of us who don't normally gamble will feel a strange pull towards the bookies to put a few quid down on the race. What if, instead of making those flutters we put those odd few quid to good work instead?

Some will win their bets, some will lose. The bookies win the most, but the horses make the heaviest losses. Each year the Grand National has a death toll. I've heard a lot on the radio this week about how the Grand National course has been made safer but I also heard today that two horses were put down during the Friday programme, before the main race had even been run. Why would you want to support this to turn the odd few pounds into a tenner?

This charity works with retired racehorses, and it works with kids: it's an each way bet that your Grand National fiver can be put to work. This is the alternative Grand National, and I thank you for your support.

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I'd be grateful if you'd tell your friends what you've done. Point them here, or send them to the blog post I wrote that gives more background on this.

Suggested text for a tweet or Facebook status

"Just made a bet I can’t lose – I’ve donated to charity instead of betting on the #grandnational http://www.justgiving.com/altnational #altnational"