Glamorous racegoers were out in full force at Aintree today, as they sipped on Champagne while enjoying the Grand National Day in glorious sunshine.
Crowds of enthusiastic party-goers crowded the racecourse in Merseyside on the third day of the annual racing festival, which is undoubtedly the most highly anticipated event of the weekend.
The highlight of the three-day festival is Grand National Day, held on the final day and marking the end of the Champagne-fueled celebrations with the renowned Grand National race.
The previous day was dedicated to Ladies Day, where women showcased their finest attire in elegant gowns and bold headpieces, celebrating the arrival of spring on what was the warmest day of the year so far in the UK.
And the glamour didn’t slow on Saturday, with many racegoers opting for brightly coloured, floral gowns as another glorious sunny day began in Merseyside.
Hues of fuchsia and bright orange were popular among the ladies today, with many deciding to finish off their outfits with matching headwear – some even imitating peacock feathers.
Others wore bold geometric prints and lace sundresses, while a handful of women opted for simpler all-white – or monochrome – ensembles for their day at the races.
Upwards of 150,000 people are expected to descend on the racecourse for the three-day festival, which culminates with the showpiece steeplechase race this afternoon.
Unlike Royal Ascot in Berkshire, which adopts stricter rules on what to wear, Aintree takes a more relaxed approach and tells attendees to simply come ‘dressed to feel your best’.
Fancy dress for Aintree revellers is also permitted, as long as the costume isn’t offensive or derogatory. But most opt for a traditional dress code – suits and dresses.
The Jockey Club, which oversees the races, describes Grand National Day as ‘a day steeped in history, drama, and unforgettable moments’.
‘This is the pride of a vibrant and iconic city, a spectacle watched by millions around the world.’
It added that the atmosphere at Aintree on Saturday will be ‘electric’ as the world’s ‘finest horses and jockeys compete in the most famous steeplechase on the planet, where every race is a story waiting to be told’.
‘It’s a day where underdogs rewrite history, favourites face their ultimate challenges, and every turn of the track holds the potential for triumph or heartbreak.’
On Friday, racegoers were able to enter the annual Style Awards as they arrived at the course, with a £3,000 River Island voucher on offer for the two best-dressed.
Hair salon owner Andrea Connell, 55, from Wigan, said she and the 11 friends she was at Aintree with spent almost a year planning their outfits.
‘We have a group chat with everybody sharing ideas,’ she said.
Trevor Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National on Saturday, and wore a shirt and tie adorned with racehorses.
He said: ‘It’s just a great day out. The atmosphere’s fantastic and weather like this – can’t beat it.
‘I have a different shirt every year. This year I’ve done different because I’ve got a tie.
‘I’ve told all my mates, because there’s about 15 of us, I told all them “shirt and tie this year” and they all think “what’s he going to wear?”.’
Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were ‘so excited’ after getting up at 6am to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National.
Ms Duffin: ‘I’m more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on.’
Asked for any racing tips, Ms Pickles ‘Just have a bloody good time!’
Soprano Laura Wright, who is due to sing the national anthem ahead of the Grand National, said: ‘It’s magical at Aintree today. The weather is great, everyone is having such a great time and I love it.
‘Everyone is so friendly, and it gets me really excited. It’s the people’s festival, but it reaches around the world. It’s iconic.’
All three days of this year’s meeting have seen warm weather, although some women had to cling on to their hats in gusts of wind on Saturday.
More than 48,000 attended on Friday for Ladies Day, almost 6,000 more than last year.
