Aintree's action begins! Racegoers teeter into the Grand National

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Women in six-inch stilettos joined men in slick suits as they posed up a storm
READ MORE: Beauty experts at Aintree reveal how racegoers pull out all the stops to achieve the perfect look

Revellers heading for the biggest day in the racing calendar got started early today as they tippled into Aintree racecourse in the early hours ahead of the Steeple Chase at 4pm.

Women in six-inch stilettos joined men in slick suits as they posed up a storm at the Merseyside racecourse, queuing up to get in before 10am.

By midday, racegoers overtook the Merseyside golf course with a sea of pinks and reds, with them cashing their winnings and downing champagne in the early afternoon.

While many racegoers wait until later in the day to let their hair down and take their shoes off, one reveller slipped off her heels and carried them on entry, with her feet not fairing well for the day head.

Today is the final-day of the three-day festival which has seen thousands of racegoers dressed to impress in full-Scouse glamour, including bright colours, hair extension and very short dresses.

By midday, racegoers overtook the Merseyside golf course with a sea of pinks and reds, with them cashing their winnings and downing champagne in the early afternoon

Monochrome memo! One group opted for all black and white looks for the big day out

And they’re off! Another racegoer cheers her drink as she watched her horse come in

Revellers celebrates, cheered and commiserated the outcomes of their bets

Come on! Racegoers looked delighted as the events kicked off

Fascinating! Revellers opted for head pieces from the bozes

Pretty in pink! Scouse women made sure they were ready to impress for the night out

Orange you glad to see me! Amber and pink hues were also popular

Gwennie May Boy ridden by Charlie Todd after winning the William Hill Handicap Hurdle

Florals for spring! These pals went for contrasting looks for the evening out

Bottoms up! Many guests stared on the booze early making the most of the day

Many opted for white tones with bridal inspired looks popular with those watching the meet, a jewel in the crown of the racing calendar.

While Cheltenham is all about the tweedy country looks, Aintree is its more glamorous cousin.

Unlike Royal Ascot 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 revellers is also allowed, as long as the costume isn’t offensive or derogatory.

Around 150,000 people are expected to attend the three-day festival, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world.

As well as enjoying the racing, revellers will no doubt get into the party spirit with plenty of champagne to go around.

Rainbow! One group of pals expertly coordinated for a colour blocked look

Former Love Island star Hannah Elizabeth was among the revellers treating the celebration like a white party

Bottoms up! Moet was the drink of choice for many of the racegoers

Here comes the bride! Many stag and hen dos are celebrated at the Grand National, with one person wearing a ‘bride to be’ batch and veil

Bit of all white! One reveller went for a bridal inspired look in an ivory gown, while her pal opted for a ninities girl ban look with a baby pink chiffon corset and maxi skirt

Gorgeous in green! One reveller looked perfect for spring in a forest-hued ensemble with strappy white heels

Move over Margot Robbie! One reveller picked last summer’s hottest trend in a bright pink number

While many revellers opted for bright colours and pastels, this racegoer broke from the pack in a vampy black look

Pulling out their finery, one reveller wore a Dior necklace and a plunging black gown

Bridal chic was a popular look among racegoers who looked smart in ivory looks

She got the monochrome memo! Black and white stripes were a stunning look on this reveller, who added orange heels and a handbag

Revellers tried their hand at racing as themselves as they tried out VR machines

Sarah Jayne Dunn and husband Jonathan Smith looked stunning in white

Sarah Jayne Dunn and husband Jonathan Smith wowed

Can’t rain on my parade! A racegoer shelters from the rain, and clutches a Louis Vuitton bag, as they arrive to attend the final day of the Grand National Festival

Sharing tips? A charity fundraiser dressed as a Stormtrooper shows off their fake gun to the real polic

Groovy baby! One group of men matched in psychedelic suits, hats and trainers

Dressing up is not just for the girls! Men quite literally peacocked their way into the meet today

A little rain never sopped the party! Guests stylishly covered their heads in scarves and blankets ahead of the race

A bit off all white! Pink and white was a popular choice for guests

Chandelier chic! This golden girl opted for strappy heels and a flapper-inspired feathery dress to the race meet

Making the most of the 15C sunshine, guests forewent coats and jackets for the day out

Swinging sixties! Orange and white was another popular combo

First, let me take a selfie! Glammed up guests made sure to document their expensive looks

Brollies up! As is wise at a British race meet, guests were sure to bring protection from drizzle

Real men wear pink! The men made sure the looks weren’t only for women as they wowed in garish suits

Best of British! One man showed off his national prides in a Union Jack suit

Nude and nice! Pink and pastels were another popular look among revellers

Mighty in mint! Cool greens and blues were also well liked by many dressing up for the occasion

One reveller looked happy to be frisked as she headed into the grounds

One reveller kicked off their shoes early as they headed into the racecourse

Yellow there! Another reveller looked bold in a sunshine-inspired number

Many famous faces are attracted to the event, including Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish

One bearded man and a his partner were certain to turn heads in this impeccably dressed look

Protesters also took the grounds to hold up signs about horses that died

Some protesters asked for and end to racing

Protesters hold cardboard placards outside the entrance

Racegoers are enjoying a day out at Aintree despite criticism of the Grand National from animal rights protesters who delayed last year’s race.

About 80,000 people are expected at the Liverpool racecourse to see the world-famous steeplechase on the final day of the Randox Grand National Festival.

Group Animal Rising has said it will not disrupt this year’s race, after the last National was delayed when protesters got onto the course, leading to more than 100 arrests.

Five protesters from Animal Aid held cardboard placards outside the entrance to the racecourse on Saturday, but their presence did not seem to impact the atmosphere.

Bill Taylor, 77, who was at the racecourse on his great-nephew’s stag do, said: ‘It’s iconic isn’t it? It’s on my bucket list and here I am. I can’t believe it, what an occasion.

‘I’ve been to Wembley, I’ve been to San Siro, I’ve been everywhere but I’ve never been to Aintree. It is buzzing.’

Accountant Brad Okopsyj, 26, from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, was dressed as Elvis for his stag do.

He said: ‘It’s a great atmosphere and I love racing. I’m looking forward to it, it’s a big day.’

Famous faces at the course included former Liverpool footballers Ian Rush and Sir Kenny Dalglish, ex-Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn and Olympians Sam Quek and Kelly Sotherton.

Rush said: ‘The Grand National has a big place in people’s hearts, it’s been going for years and years.

‘Aintree is something special. Liverpool are playing on Sunday, Everton are playing on Monday, so this is all concentrated on Aintree today.’

Georgia Ratcliffe, 27, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, who was at the racecourse with friend Laura Williams, 24, said: ‘Everybody’s just literally here for a good time.

‘The sun was shining last year so hopefully it’s going to come out later.’

Bill Gowers, 61, from Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire, said he was at the racecourse for the ninth time.

‘He said: ‘Cheltenham is for the posh set, if you will, but Aintree is the people’s race and it is the people’s place.

‘If the protesters really cared about the welfare of the horses they would have thought about what they were doing (last year).

‘Some of the horses got more worked up and stressed than they needed to so you can’t tell me they actually thought about the welfare of the horses.’

The Grand National is due to be held at the earlier time of 4pm, which organisers hope will ‘ensure optimal conditions’ on the track.

Other changes include a reduced field of 34 horses, down from 40, a standing start, a reduction in height to one of the fences and added foam and rubber toe boards on every fence.

The Jockey Club has previously said changes to the race were not made as a consequence of the protests.

A spokesman for Aintree Racecourse said: ‘We conduct an evidence-based review process after every Grand National which looks at all aspects of the race.

‘The changes that we announced last year are data-driven and the result of a detailed assessment of recent Grand Nationals and the analysis of trends and statistics relating to the race over many years.’

In an email said to have been sent to Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale, Animal Rising co-founder Dan Kidby wrote: ‘Animal Rising’s actions last year shone a spotlight on the deaths that happen during the Grand National Festival.

‘This light continues to shine and we don’t believe disruption is needed to draw attention to this again.

‘Horses have died almost every single year at the Grand National; the safest bet one could make is that a horse would die.

‘This continues to be the case in spite of rule changes, which are nothing more than a PR exercise to try to win back public opinion.’

At Ladies Day on Friday the first race of the day saw horse Giovinco fall at the final fence and suffer a fatal injury, while in the last race of the day Pikar suffered a heavy fall and organisers confirmed the injuries were fatal.

The Grand National today, known as the People’s Race, drawing national attention in a way that perhaps no other horse race is able to do.

Every year, millions of people gather at Aintree for the steeplechases, which spans 4 miles, 7 furlongs and 74 yards, making it the longest horse race in Britain even though it used to be around one and a half furlongs longer .

The decision to shorten the race slightly was done to move the start line away from the grandstands in order to help prevent false starts and make the first jump safer as jockeys and horses would reach it slower.

Getting glam for the yearly event is a costly affair, with hair salons and tanning shops full to the brim since the early hours of this morning.

Unlike other race days, fancy dress is encouraged at Aintree with one guest dressed up as Elvis

Security forces chat between races

Others opted for themed fancy dress, with one coming as the Queen’s guard

Body con was a popular look among the revellers who opted for skintight dresses

Here come the girls! One group looked chic as they effortlessly colourblocked and coordianated

Nautical but nice! Hockey player Sam Quek opted for a sea-themed look in navy tones

One group looked comfortable and stylist in colourful ensemble as they got ready for the day ahead

Ready in red! Racegoers wore their brightest colours as they headed into the racecourse on Saturday

Orange you glad to see me! Block colours were in vogue for the early arrivals in Merseyside

Beautiful in blue! One racegoer turned up early in an electric number

Ready for it! Fans queued up to get into the grounds bright and early on Satuday

Pink and perfect! One couple were sure to coordinate a pleated asymmetric dress and fuchsia tie

Here comes the girls! Racegoers strutted into the closure in blue and floral numbers

And they’re off! Revellers wait until the races kicked off to horse around

Silver surfer! One bride-to-be celebrated her upcoming nupitals in a sparkling sequin dress

Attention to detail! Another reveller opted for a black dress looking effortlessly stylish with red embellishments, including a red polish on her toes and hands and the inside lining of her dress

Like a feather! One racegoer wowed in a floral summer dresses – and effervescent heels

How fascinator! Up dos were one of the looks du jour with Merseyside locals putting on their best looks

That’s not a horse! One racegoer arrived with a Irish wolfhound in tow

Stallion do! One group on a stag do opted for fancy dress – with the groom-to-be in a horse mask

A hair extensions technician who works during the Grand National revealed that fashion fans will spend upwards of £500 on their hair – and ‘thousands’ on finding the perfect outfit.

Michelle, who works at Dianne Marshall Hair Extensions in Liverpool, told LBC News that demand is ‘very, very high’ and the preparation often begins months in advance.

Guidance for what to wear on the course website reads: ‘At Aintree Racecourse we believe racing should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone .

‘And one thing is certainly true, the more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a great time. So that’s why we’ve created one very simple piece of guidance, to come ‘dressed to feel your best’.

‘We’re all unique, and no more so than in our sense of style and comfort. For some, wearing a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers is what makes them feel confident and at-ease.

Family fun! While some head for the boozy antics, others enjoyed a spot of wholesome fun for all ages

Never to young to dress to impress! One young reveller looked adorable in a suit

Little red rising coat! Black hats and red coats were among the vampish daring looks

Perfect in pink! Two friends were sure to coordinate when they arrived in Aintree

Bookies set up their stalls early in what is set to be one of the busiest betting days of the year

One group of men opted for matching ties

‘For others, they might prefer to turn heads with a sharp suit or glamorous dress and high heels, particularly for one of our big race meetings.

‘But whatever your tastes, the most important thing when choosing your outfit is, of course, comfort and confidence. So wear what feels right for you and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather.’

She revealed that the lead-up involves: ‘Making sure that the girls are in, ready for the day so they can go back, get their makeup done and then start the day on Ladies Day.’

The extensionist explained: ‘Depending on what they go for, extensions can start anywhere from £300 up to £500, and that’s just the hair.

‘Then obviously there’s the outfits. People will spend anything from £200 up to the thousands for outfits.’

Meanwhile, Hannah, the owner of House of Darlins, Liverpool’s largest beauty salon, told the radio station: ‘You are getting everything done – your nails, your hair, your tan, your makeup, and your new dress.

‘I just think it’s Liverpool’s one day of the year where you can go as extra as you want to go and you can push the boat out as much as you want to – and it’s fine, no one can say anything because it’s the races!’

The beauty expert revealed to her Instagram followers that she had set her alarm for 3:50am, writing: ‘Aintree races but you work in the beauty industry’.

And it’s not just makeup and hair – Madison, who owns The Tanning Girl salon, said: ‘I do my clients one layer. I’m not all about the orange. I think that is a big stereotype.

‘No one is orange anymore. The tans have come into fashion again and the formulas are different. Everyone just loves a nice, natural, golden brown colour.’

Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore was on site early to prepare for the race

Horses were out in number as they got ready for the biggest day in the racing calendar

A horse from Henry de Bromhead’s stable rolls on the grass ahead of day three of

Bookmakers are gearing up for the biggest betting day of the year this Saturday, as The Grand National takes centre stage.

With millions of punters set to go to the bookies and place their Grand National bets, Ladbrokes say it is their busiest day of the year.

Corach Rambler is the 11/2 favourite to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll by winning the world’s most famous race for the second year in a row.

The ‘once-a-year’ punters will be opting for fun names and lucky numbers. Ladbrokes expect to see strong support for Mr Incredible at 12/1, while Foxy Jacks and Run Wild Fred have also been capturing imaginations at 50/1 and 66/1 respectively.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: ‘Grand National day is the day the nation goes to the bookies, with millions expected to have a flutter on their favourite horse.

‘It is without doubt the busiest day of the year for us, and this year’s renewal looks incredibly exciting.

‘Although Corach Rambler is the favourite, there are other horses we will be running scared of as well.

‘Punters love a good name and we fully expect the likes of Mr Incredible to be popular picks on the day.’