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Glamorous racegoers were up bright and early at Aintree today, as the highly anticipated Grand National Day kicked off.
Crowds of eager revellers packed into the racecourse in Merseyside for the third day of the annual racing festival, which is by far the most anticipated of the weekend.
Grand National Day takes place each year on the final day of the three-day festival, concluding the Champagne-fuelled revelries with the famed Grand National race.
Yesterday was Ladies Day, when women dressed to impress in ruffled gowns and statement headwear as the UK welcomed spring with the warmest day of the year so far.
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.
These three women opted for very bold headwear for their day out in Merseyside
Some racegoers were pictured enjoying a quick drink before noon, as the festivities began
Glamorous racegoers were dressed to impress as they arrived for the Grand National Day
This very smartly dressed couple were among the early arrivals at Aintree this morning
Grand National Day takes place each year on the final day of the three-day festival, concluding the Champagne-fuelled revelries with the famed Grand National race
Four women arrived at Aintree’s Randox Grand National Festival in red and white ensembles
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’.
Racegoers enjoyed drinks in the spring sunshine on Saturday as Grand National Day began
This glamorous reveller opted for an all-black ensemble, with a slicked back ponytail
The glamour didn’t slow on Saturday, with many racegoers opting for brightly coloured, floral prints as another sunny spring day began in Merseyside
Racegoers pose for photographs before heading inside for the Grand National at Aintree
Hues of fuchsia and bright orange were popular among the ladies today, with many deciding to finish off their outfits with matching headwear
Upwards of 150,000 people were expected to descend on the racecourse for the three-day festival, with 50,000 attending on Friday alone
The Jockey Club, which oversees the races, describes Grand National Day as ‘a day steeped in history, drama, and unforgettable moments’
Fascinators are typically popular at the Grand National Festival, and this year was no different
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
A group of very glamorous racegoers pose for photographs before heading into the races
Revellers are arriving in droves for Grand National Day at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside
Fancy dress is also an option for those attending the Grand National, like this group of men
This glamorous pair found a perch for a moment to scroll through their phones
The bars were busy on Saturday afternoon, as you would expect on the Grand National Day
This gentleman also opted for a floral dress, which he paired with white sandals for the day
‘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.
Racegoers on Grand National Day at the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree
Glamorous racegoers were up bright and early at Aintree today, where the highly anticipated Grand National race is due to kick off in a matter of hours
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
Women did not shy away from high heels as they traversed the entryway of Aintree today
Floral prints and pastels were the most popular fashion choices among women on Saturday
A group of racegoers sit on the ground as the warm weather brings sun to Aintree
Both pastel, floral prints and bold red dresses were popular with woman at Aintree today
It was an early start for those attending the Grand National today, with men in suits already enjoying a beer in the sunshine
Huge crowds descended on Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool today for the Grand National
Her friend Denise Alker, 75, from Bolton, added: ‘We just absolutely love everything about Ladies Day. The feeling of the place, the ambience, it’s just so wonderful, and of course you can’t forget the racing.’
Heather Burnside, 56, from Edinburgh, who co-ordinated a gold fascinator and dress, said the day combined her two passions – racing and glamour.
She said: ‘I saw the fascinator and then just got the rest of the outfit to go with it.
‘I always like something that’s a wee bit different so I thought this was spot on.’
This year, for the first time, the most sustainably dressed racegoer will also be recognised; winning a £1,000 River Island voucher, two Garden Club tickets to Ladies Day next year, hospitality for two at any Aintree fixture over the next year and River Island gifts costing £1,000.
Crowds of eager revellers packed into the racecourse in Merseyside for the third day of the annual racing festival, which is by far the most anticipated of the weekend
A board listing the runners of the Grand National on day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse
