Ladies Day draws thousands of fashion fans to Aintree

Frocks, feathers and fascinators - it can only be Ladies Day at Aintree.

Taking place ahead of the Grand National on Saturday, the spectacle at the Merseyside racecourse attracts up to 50,000 people for day two of the National meeting.

The meeting has a television audience of more than 600 million globally.

Jester Jet was the winner of the day's first race, the Alder Hey Children's Charity Handicap Hurdle.

News imagePA A woman with a face mask holding a brightly coloured umbrellaPA
The wet weather has not dampened spirits: it just created an excuse for race-goers to add an extra accessory
News imageEPA A woman shields her hair from the rain under a large plastic bagEPA
The less prepared used their improvisation skills
News imageEPA Two ladies drinking champagneEPA
Trends at the racecourse included neutral shades, floral patterns and feathered hats
News imageReuters Two ladies riding on toy horsesReuters
The weather hasn't stopped the ladies from enjoying themselves
News imagePA A woman wearing a hat covered in bird feathers stands in front of a wall of rosesPA
Thousands of glamorously dressed racegoers gather the day before the Grand National, with many sporting unusual and distinctive hats
News imageReuters A woman wearing a hat with leaves sprouting from itReuters
Aintree has a team of fashion ambassadors who rate visitors' outfits. It's worth the effort - the winner of the Style Award will win a Range Rover
News imagePA A lady stands between two of the Queen's GuardPA
Some attendees unfortunately suffer from hat envy