Politics
Aintree revellers get into the party spirit for the Grand National as racegoers down booze & brave freezing temperatures
RACEGOERS let their hair down as they partied at the Grand National today for the first time in two years.
The prosecco was flowing as revellers returned to Liverpool’s Aintree Racecourse for the world-famous meeting, which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid.
JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWRevellers returned to Aintree Racecourse for the Grand National today – and there were some very high spirits[/caption]
It all got too much for one man, who had a lie down on the carpet after spilling on his shirtJOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEW
AFPTwo friends beamed as they rested their painful feet[/caption]
AFPIt’s the first time the races have taken place in two years after Covid struck[/caption]
PAVisitors cling to their fascinators as they arrive at the course[/caption]
And while the day may have started off with glamour and class, by the time the evening rolled out, guests were ready to slip off painful high heels and loosen their ties.
Race fans were seen celebrating big wins – or drowning their sorrows after backing the wrong horse.
One man was seen sprawled on his back on the floor of a bar while a laughing friend snapped a photo of him.
Two blonde ladies threw some very enthusiastic shapes on their own makeshift dancefloor.
Read more on the Grand National
Meanwhile, a suited and booted reveller was seen joyously leaping on his friend as the festivities wore on.
Princess Anne was among the racegoers who appeared delighted to be back at the racecourse today.
Sadly, she didn’t appear to be a guest at any of the wild and boozy parties.
The Princess Royal came prepared for the poor forecast, donning a forest green jacket and a burgundy hat for the occasion.
Most read in The Sun
Temperatures reached just 10C and there were blustery winds and drizzle.
However, the weather didn’t stop attendees wearing their party best.
Ladies were spotted in little dresses, sky-high stilettos and jumpsuits.
Most decided to leave their coats at home to better show off their outfits.
Over the course of the three-day festival, 150,000 people will enjoy the best that Aintree has to offer.
A whopping £25million will be spent on bets and 20,000 glasses of bubbly will be downed, fuelling the atmosphere.
Away from the track, 500m people in more than 140 countries are expected to tune in.
The biggest competition – the 30-jump handicap steeplechase – takes place on Saturday.
And in cheering news, the weather should improve.
Read More on The Sun
Met Office forecasters say it’ll be mostly sunny tomorrow, with highs of 9C, although showers will return in the afternoon.
Saturday will be bright too, with no rain predicted for the big race.
As the evening wore on, one lady swapped her heels for flip flops before taking to the dancefloorJOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEW
JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWShe was quickly joined by others who enjoyed the music[/caption]
JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWA suited and booted man celebrated what appeared to be a big win by leaping on his friend’s back[/caption]
JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWOne girl appeared to be carrying a bottle under her arm as she watched the action[/caption]
JOHN MATHER/IMAGE VIEWA lady got a lift from a friend as festivities got under way in a bar[/caption]
PAPrincess Anne was among those to attend – although sadly she didn’t join in with the dancing[/caption]
BackGridThe weather has been miserable, with plenty of rain and highs of just 10C, but it didn’t stop visitors from wearing their party best[/caption]
