Grand National Ladies Day 2024: Style in the spotlight at Aintree

Style is in the spotlight as Ladies Day takes place at Aintree Racecourse at the Grand National Festival in Liverpool.

The second day of the annual meeting traditionally has a fashion and glamour focus for racegoers, alongside the horseracing on the course.

About 150,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event with the big race taking place on Saturday.

Racegoer Rebecca said this was "the party day, which is why we are here".

The annual Style Awards is also taking place, with this year's competition judged by Natasha Jonas, Emily Sleight, Gemma Cutting, Frankie Foster and Amy Hart.

"The standard of style and effort is unreal," Ms Cutting said.

"I love seeing everyone dressed up feeling really confident. We're in Liverpool, we love to make an effort."

Rebecca, who has attended the event several times, told BBC Radio Merseyside she loved coming to Aintree as "everyone is dressed up having a good time".

"It's like being at a big wedding, everyone dressed up and wearing a hat," she said.

Another racing fan, Chloe, said: "It's a lovely atmosphere, it is a wonderful day."

Racing started at 13:45 BST and the flagship Grand National takes place on Saturday at 16:00 BST.

The start time has been made earlier and fewer horses will be racing after organisers spoke "to people inside and outside the racing world" and to animal welfare organisations in an effort to improve the race.

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