Warmer weather has blessed Aintree this year, and spectators have dressed for the April sunshine during the three-day Merseyside race meet… with many determined to show off their pins. 

Thigh splits, plunging necklines and barely there skirts were the sartorial choice for the thousands of ladies who attended, with many hoping on Friday that their bold fashion choices would bag them the £5,000 Best Dressed prize traditionally given out on the penultimate day of the Grand National Festival.

And as the champagne has flowed since Thursday, it’s been a case of ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ for many, as they enjoyed one of the biggest events in the horse-racing calendar. 

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’.

Go bold or go home! The Grand National Festival 2024 ends today and, horse-racing aside, it’s been quite the catwalk this year, with dare to bare seemingly the biggest trend 

Perfect in pink! Revellers opted for skimming skirts for the day out in Liverpool

Legs 11! One reveller poses for the cameras in a short pleated mint-hued frock. She wore the look with pearl shoes and a matching bag

Thigh split dresses were a common sight at Aintree: this racegoer poses for the cameras, showing off her all-red ensemble 

The gowns at Aintree have been particularly daring in 2024, with many racegoers embracing summerwear

If you’ve got it flaunt it! Plunging necklines and dresses that split on the hip were the order of the day

Betting on a high hem line: These revellers showed off their immaculate pins – and some wide-brimmed hats

In the pink: This racegoer wore a cerise fringed frock with spaghetti straps

Aintree winds up today, with the Grand National of course the big ticket – but it’s been a fascinating sartorial spectacle from the moment the doors opened on Thursday morning. 

While there were plenty of longer gowns this year, it seems the fashion memo was very much dare to bare, with dozens of racegoers wearing revealing outfits for the glamorous occasion. 

Backless and strapless gowns also featured heavily, with Victoria Beckham-esque mini dresses also on this year’s fashion menu. 

The colours on display were both blocked and bright, with wide-brimmed hats and extravagant fascinators in the same hues finishing the looks. 

And the hair? A bouncy blow-dry or sleekly stroked under show-stealing hats was the order of the day. 

While Cheltenham is all about the tweedy country looks, Aintree is its more glamorous cousin – and the outfits did not disappoint, with many opting for Barbie-inspired looks for the big day out.

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

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

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

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

Three revellers put on a very leggy display as they attended the festival dressed in short patterned dresses, large floppy hats and heels 

A £5,000 prize is awarded on Ladies Day to the best dressed racegoer

Pretty in pink: A peplum dress in pink with a matching bag and silver heels was worn by this spectator. Meanwhile, her friend opted for a Victoria Beckham-inspired black mini dress

Temperatures of nearly 20 degrees meant there were no jackets required at the Grand National Festival

 Black Pink: These friends wore short dresses and heels for the glamourous occasion as they strode the pink carpet on Ladies Day

The Grand National on Saturday, known as the People’s Race, draws 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.

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.

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.

Getting the party started: spectators – who all got the short hem memo – arrive at the Liverpool racecourse on Friday

One racegoer showed off their back tattoo with their cut-out dress, while another sported knee-high boots to complete her outfit

Like a feather! One person opted for a blue feather number while another went pastel

Bridal looks appeared to be the look of the day as they partied between the bets

Kicking back, two revellers cuddled a bottle of champagne beteween races

Bottoms up! Punters put their feet up as they sipped on champagne in the sunshine

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.

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.