Racegoers put their best foot forward as they arrived for the last day of Aintree today, for the first Grand National since 2019, after the event took a two-year hiatus due to Covid.
This week has seen a return to the pre-pandemic years, with racegoers coming to the course in their droves to have a flutter on the horses.
And once again, despite the weather reports looking less than optimum, attendees poured into the race ground, including football pundit Chris Kamara, defence secretary Ben Wallace, and royals Zara Tindall and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
Aintree is known for its flesh-baring outfits, and true to form, since the three-day event kicked-off on Thursday, visitors have been snapped in a range of flashy outfits including open-toed heels, lace jumpsuits, and dresses without jackets – despite the winds and maximum temperatures of 10C.
Racegoers do their best to look upbeat in the face of unrelenting rain, as they arrive at Aintree today for the third day of the event
Rain poured down on racegoers, who were forced to take shelter under their coats – or simply brave the weather and run through the grounds
Suits you: attendees at Aintree today made sure they were dressed for the day’s frivolities, opting to make a statement in loud, brightly coloured suits
Many got into the party spirit, downing pints of beer as they watched the runners and riders, and put bets on the horses during Grand National day
Touching up: This woman took advantage of a lull in the action, to touch up her makeup, reapplying a coat of pink gloss to her lips
In the red: Ainstree is as much about the clothing as the racing, and these attendees took full advantage of the event to break down striking outfits in red
Finally some sun! These women were lucky and managed to catch some rays, soaking up some of the warmth on an otherwise miserable day
A touch of drizzle wasn’t enough to encourage these women to stay inside, and they stepped out for the occasion dressed in glamorous Spring-style outfits
This couple chose to wear complementary suits, with the man adding a bit of sparkle to his look with a pair of glittery silver loafers
Time for a tipple: revellers were pictured getting into the party spirit, with pints in hand, as they wandered around the raceground
Weather appropriate: While some of Aintree’s guests seemed determined to bare all, despite the cool temperatures, others wrapped up with warm coats over their Spring frocks
Ready to party! Racegoers showed up to the last day of Aintree today, and despite the bracing temperatures, some opted to show off their bare legs and arms in dresses and jumpsuits
Despite two days of bad weather, some racegoers were committed to showing off a Spring look today, and steeped out wearing light clothing instead of waterproofs
One woman seemed to be celebrating more than horse racing today, wearing a lavish beaded headpiece that says ‘bride’
Thumbs up! One racegoer (pictured, right) suggests she’s in the party spirit, flashing the cameraman a thumbs up sign, while others smile and show off their outfits
Hungry revellers were seen packing themselves into the food court area, perhaps hoping that a snack would distract them from the downpour
A bar person pours glasses of bubbly as attendees prepare to enjoy a tipple and get rowdy during day 3 of Ainstree
Today was no different, with some ladies spotted baring their arms and legs, as well as optimistically opting for sunglasses, although others wrapped up more sensibly against the bracing temperatures, sporting suits and thicker jackets.
And revellers certainly didn’t let the weather stop them from partying, with attendees even snapped falling headfirst into a large bin.
Around 150,000 people are expected to attend the three-day festival, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world, with more than £25 million expected to be spent on bets.
And the revelry doesn’t stop there: previously the event, which is now in its 183rd year, has seen attendees down a staggering 20,000 bubbly to get into the party spirit.
Away from the track, a further 500 million people in more than 140 countries are expected to tune in to watch the action.
Soldiers guard the tent where the race winners trophies are kept prior to their presentation, including the trophy for the Grand National winner
Among the racegoers at Aintree today, the third day of the event and Grand National day, were royal Zara Tindall (pictured, left) and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured, right)
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was also snapped at Aintree today, looking totally engaged by the action on the racecourse during the afternoon
Not everyone chose style over comfort, and some, like this racegoer (right), wrapped up against the cold in a think pink coat. Meanwhile, football pundit Chris Kamara was snapped entering the event wearing a grey three-piece suit
Having a flutter: Odds are displayed for people who want to place a bet. Meanwhile, anxious guests watch a race, nervously awaiting the result
Aerial shots of the crowd today at Aintree show people packed into the race ground as they were able to attend the event in person for the first time since 2019
Wet: Images from the day show racegoers making their bets with bookmakers, who are protected from the drizzle by umbrellas
Meanwhile, mobile beer and wine sellers parade the grounds, making sure attendees’ drinks are kept well topped up throughout the day
While many racegoers opted to wear muted, pastel tones, this lady chose to sport a more eye-catching look, wearing a plethora of neon tones, topped with a scarlet hat
The runners and riders in action during the Charlie Todd riding Party Business Construction Handicap Hurdle at Aintree Racecourse
Anxious crowds watch the action during day 3 of Aintree 2022, the first time the public have been able to attend the event since 2019, after Covid forced organisers to hold it behind closed doors
Charlie Todd riding Party Business (pictured left, in red) clear the last to win The EFT Construction Handicap Hurdle at Aintree
Jubilant: Happy racegoers were seen cheering by the side of the track, perhaps celebrating a winning bet, as they watched races on day 3 of Aintree
As the weather brightened up throughout the day, attendees looked happy to watch the action, without getting rained on
The biggest competition, the 30-jump handicap steeplechase, takes place on Saturday, making today the most exciting for many racegoers.
Less promising, however, could be the weather, after the Met office warned that today’s weather won’t be optimum for outdoor events, with top temperatures not expected to exceed 9C, and breezes predicted throughout the afternoon.
The Randox Grand National 2022, which is held at Aintree racecourse, runs from April 7 to April 9.