Groundstaff prepare the Water Jump at Aintree racecourse ahead of the first day of the Grand National meeting

The sun is shining as racegoers relax in front of one of the impressive new stands, part of Aintree's �35m redevelopment

Richard Johnson rides Mighty Man to victory in the John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle, the opening race of the meeting

Ridden by Tony McCoy, Jonjo O'Neill-trained Exotic Dancer is the winning favourite in feature race the Betfair Bowl

Katchit follows up his Triumph Hurdle win at Cheltenham by taking the Anniversary Novices' Hurdle ahead of Punjabi

Richard Burton and Scots Grey are just behind Pak Jack at the second last, but pip them to land the Fox Hunters' Chase

Bambi De L'orme, Tiday Bay and Two Miles West are the day's other winners, as punters look ahead to Ladies Day on Friday