05-04-2025
Punters soak up sun for Grand National finale
Thousands of racegoers have filed into Aintree in their finest outfits to soak up the sun ahead of the famous Grand National horse race. Colourful costumes, fascinators and sharps suits have dazzled over the past two days at the Merseyside racecourse for the three-day event, which this year is expected to draw more than 150,000 16:00 BST, all eyes will be drawn to the 34 runners and riders taking on 30 fences in the flagship steeplechase, the festival's showpiece event. An estimated 600 million people are expected to watch the event worldwide.
Last year's winner I am Maximus, ridden by jockey Paul Townend, will be racing in the event, with hopes for a repeat of its 2024 have been enjoying the spring sunshine at the races, with the popular Ladies Day on Friday coming on the year's hottest day so far.
The first Saturday race began at 13:20, with the last set of horses to bolt from the traps at 17: Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National and wore a shirt and tie adorned with 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 06:00 to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand 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."
Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses make Aintree added: "Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?"
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
