The feathered hats have been dusted off and the glamorous dresses are at the ready, which can only mean one thing – Aintree is here.
Revellers descended on the Merseyside course this morning in typical style, with bright colours and cut-out dresses very much 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.
Dressed to impress, racing fans went all out in fabulous florals, strappy sandals and bouncy hairdos.
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’.
But first, let’s take a selfie! A group of friends made sure to capture their outfits for the ‘gram as they arrived at the Merseyside racecourse
Prints perfect! A racing fan donned a chic shirt dress with a daring hemline for the occasion, pictured right. Pictured left, the influence of the hit Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie was clear in the fashion choices on show
Double trouble! These fashionable friends appeared delighted to be heading to the races today at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
Blazers at the ready! To combat the chilly weather, these glamorous racegoers opted for stylish jackets over their figure-hugging dresses
A police officer stands guard as the first racegoers arrive on the Thursday of the Grand National Festival 2024
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, over the next few days.
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 on Saturday, 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.
Pretty in pink! Some of the early arrivals opted for a Barbie-inspired dresses with strappy sandals and bouncy blow drys
Thrice as nice! These stunning racegoers were clearly dressed to impress in their high heels and flattering dresses
Blooming lovely! Two racegoers showcase their floral dresses as they arrive for today’s races
Hat’s the ticket! Two members of this group of glamorous revellers opted for statement pink headwear to finish off their radiant looks
Monochrome magic! Showing off their toned legs, these ladies opted for thigh-grazing black and white ensembles
Cold shoulder! Friends put on a glamorous display with one donning an elegant one shoulder jumpsuit and the other opting for a fun zebra print dress with cutouts
Flower power! One person looking blooming lovely as she turned heads in a floral frock
Standing out from the crowd! These ladies commanded attention in equally daring outfits – from a risqué cut-out skirt to a floral mini dress and feathered frock
Work it, ladies! These two racegoers looked like they’d just stepped off a catwalk as they showcased their glamorous ensembles
Calling the Instagram boyfriend: Two ladies pose together as a racegoer takes their picture
Boozy handbag, anyone? A racegoer carries a bay filled with ice and drink as they enjoy the races
Friends took a break from the action on track to enjoy a glass of champagne in the bar
Hat’s off! Ladies showcase their show-stealing fascinators after opting for brightly coloured versions
Daring to go! A woman opts for a racy ensemble, featuring a lacy top, while her friend opts for a figure-hugging patterned dress
Neutral but nice! Elegant racegoers ditch brightly shaded options and keep it safe with white and beige outfits
Lovely in lemon! One racegoer looked the epitome of spring in a sunshine-themed dress
Dressed to impress: Two friends looked perfectly co-ordinated as they opted for midi dresses
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.
‘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.’
Bookmakers are gearing up for the biggest betting day of the year this Saturday, as The Grand National takes centre stage.
Cheers! A woman enjoys a glass of bubbly as she gets ready to watch the action at the Grand National Festival
Belles of the ball! Two stylish racegoers pose for a photograph while holding up their drinks
Racegoers perfectly channel Spring as they arrive at The Grand National festival in style
Time for a selfie: Two beaming friends pose with one another as they arrive at the first day of the Grand National Festival
Hat’s amazing! Head-turning headwear seemed to be the order of the day at the Aintree Racecourse
These ladies look anything but blue in chic navy dresses teamed with strappy heels and statement headwear
Couple goals! This attractive duo put their best fashion foot forward at the races this morning
Bright and beautiful! These two racegoers stood out from the crowd in vibrant ensembles, complete with glamorous headwear
Here come the girls! A group of friends looked ready to enjoy their day off as they strutted their stuff in glamorous gowns
Ladies in red! Two racegoers command attention in scarlet outfits as they attend today’s event
Helping a friend out! A racegoer has her outfit adjusted ahead of racing on the opening day of the Grand National Festival
Looking good! These racegoers were dressed to impress when they arrived at today’s event
Twice as nice: These two racegoers put on a stylish display in midi dresses with matching bags
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.’