We’re singin’ in the rain! Glamorous Aintree revellers dodge the drops in skimpy skirts as the Grand National Festival kicks off in style

Horse racing may be the focus of the proceedings, but as any discerning style observer knows, Aintree is actually all about the clothes.

The Grand National is famous for its daring fashion shows, and early arrivals on the first day of the festival did not disappoint.

Excited revelers began pouring through the gates of the Merseyside venue from 11am today, decked out in mini dresses and feathered fascinators to impress.

While Cheltenham is all about the tweedy country look, Aintree is its more risqué cousin – and the look on display this morning certainly justified that assessment; many racers preferred hip-hugging clothing and loose-fitting dresses.

Notable for their racy numbers, revelers stepped out in body-hugging dresses, sheer outfits and lacy looks as they showed off their bodies for the big day.

Unlike Royal Ascot, which has adopted stricter rules on what to wear, the three-day festival, which hosts the glitzy Grand National race on Saturday afternoon, is taking a more casual approach, telling attendees to just turn up ‘dressed in a way that makes them feel their best’.

We are ready for action! A couple shows off their flashy outfits as they arrive at the racetrack

Brolly good show! A dazzling woman in a mini dress and white jacket, protecting her glamorous make-up and hair from the rain with an umbrella

Compatible-compatible! Three friends coordinate their looks for festival on Merseyside

Cheers! Revelers grab beers before the races start on the first day of the Grand National festival

Fancy dress is also permitted for revelers, as long as the costume is not offensive or degrading.

Yellow appeared to be the theme of the day as the glamorous racegoers brought the sunshine in off-the-shoulder dresses and halter dresses.

Elsewhere, a woman turned heads in a plunging black maxi dress with a thigh-high slit and a deep V-neck.

Another race participant showed off her enviable figure in a white mini dress with flashy sleeves as she posed up a storm on the race track.

Revelers will soon be joined by famous faces such as Coleen Rooney and Helen Flanagan, with the likes of Coleen Rooney and Helen Flanagan also making regular appearances every year.

The festival, which runs from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April this year, is one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar and attracts around 150,000 people to Aintree each year.

Pose! Love Island’s Lucy Quinn and Hannah Olivia Kenyon attend Day 1 of the Aintree Grand National Festival

They bring their A-game! A group of stunning ladies show off their figure-hugging outfits wearing matching shades of lemon and burgundy

Double trouble! The stylish duo show off their stunning looks, from a yellow off-the-shoulder mini to a sheer number, as they arrive at the festival

Various styles! Many fashion models, from mini dresses to stylish maxis, were exhibited at the three-day event.

Three times more beautiful! Three race participants pose up a storm on the racetrack, dressed in daring costumes complete with see-through and cut-out details

I’m making a statement! A woman makes a bold statement in a corset-inspired mini dress

Leaving little to the imagination: A woman turned heads in a low-cut black maxi dress with a thigh-high slit and a deep V-neck.

We are having such a good time! Smiling racers show off their moves while dancing in the rain

Racers coming to the three-day festival lose control of their umbrellas

Take cover! Revelers battle wind and rain as they walk the race track

This is so creative! Participants in the race without umbrellas use their jackets to protect themselves from the rain

Pretty pink! Charlotte Dawson wore a low-cut maxi dress with a thigh-high slit as she arrived at the racetrack

Effortlessly elegant: Racing enthusiasts looked more stylish in designer Holland Cooper clothing and suits

How I laughed! A racing fan giggled as he attended the three-day event at Aintree

It’s all about accessories: Women combined their flashy dresses with impressive high heels

I am working! The theme of the day was bodycon looks and mini dresses

Sharing is compassion: A woman shares her umbrella with her friends caught in the rain

Preparing for later! A racing fan carries a load of flip-flops on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival

There will be no rain during the parades! Racing fans shelter from the rain on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026

Who needs an umbrella! Women are getting creative when trying to maintain their luscious locks

It is also broadcast live to a worldwide television audience of approximately 800 million people.

Saturday’s Grand National, known as the People’s Race, attracts attention across the UK like perhaps no other horse race.

Home to the world’s largest steeplechase, the race is run over a distance of approximately 4 miles, 2 1/2.

It features 30 fences to jump over two laps, making it the longest horse race in Britain (although it is around one and a half times longer than it used to be).

As jockeys and horses would arrive slower, the decision was made to shorten the race slightly to move the starting line away from the stands to help prevent false starts and make the first jump safer.

On Saturday I Am Maximus heads the declared maximum of 34 runners as he attempts to emulate Red Rum in the Randox Grand National.

Think pink! Hannah Olivia Kenyon wears a statement floral dress with a billowy skirt

We bring the sunshine! Love Island’s Lucy Quinn attracted attention with her sheer lemon dress

Make sure all eyes are on them! Revelers wore elegant and vibrant costumes for today’s races, drawing attention with their attire.

Racing fans on the first day of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree racecourse

Prom bells! Four stylish revelers pose for photos while participating in races

Race participants take shelter under umbrellas in cool and rainy weather to attend the opening day of the Grand National Festival

Armed police stand guard at the entrance as racegoers (behind) line up for the gates to open for the opening day of the Grand National Festival

Not since Ginger McCain’s Aintree saga has a horse won the world’s most famous steeplechase, losing the title and then regaining it. Red Rum won in 1973 and 1974, finished second in 1975 and 1976, and brought the house down with a third win in 1977.

Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus, who will wear cheek for a second time, the first in December 2022, won at the hands of Paul Townend two years ago and has found his stablemate Nick Rockett too good, aiming to become the first double winner since Tiger Roll in 2025.

As well as the last two winners, Mullins also runs Grangeclare West, who was third last year and will be the vehicle of Patrick Mullins, who originally did well in the Nick Rockett for his father but has now been overlooked in favor of the Bobbyjo Chase winner. Tom Bellamy gives the defending champion a dream bench trip.