by Racegoers dressed best for Aintree Ladies Day despite the removal of its formal dress code.
Arriving on Friday for day two of the Randox Grand National Festival, punters showed no signs of leaving the glamor at home.
Many wore fascinators, high heels and brightly colored dresses but arrived equipped with umbrellas and coats as the rain started falling on the famed racecourse soon after the gates opened.
The annual event is known for its style, but this year The Jockey Club, which runs Merseyside Racecourse, announced it would remove the dress code as part of a campaign to make horse racing ‘accessible and inclusive”.
Announcing the change across all of its 15 racecourses in February, Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale said it’s for everyone.
Gill Carpenter, 56, of Lydiate, made her blue-and-white speckled one-shoulder gown herself and created a charming out of the same material.
She said: “I always go all out for Women’s Day.
“I don’t like to say it’s a mistake to loosen the dress code, but people are dying to get dressed and there aren’t enough opportunities to do so.
“I think it’s a sign of respect for the jockeys. It’s important to keep up the tradition and there’s no better place to do that than Liverpool – these girls won’t notice!”
Rachel Oates, 51, of Andover, wore a red fascinator she made herself with a black and white speckled dress.
She said, “Everyone wants to dress well and look forward to the day.”
His partner Darren Ellis, 51, wearing a plaid three-piece suit, added: ‘I’m a mechanic for a living, so I like to get washed to come here.
“I don’t want to show up in a T-shirt and jeans.”
Evie Illes, 20, of Manchester, wore a yellow dress with a green train and multicolored sash designed by Marcos Perez, 49, who accompanied her to the races.
She said, “I feel great in this dress, it’s amazing.”
Mr. Perez added, “Ladies Day is a chance for everyone to showcase their designs and creations and it’s very trendy.”
Charlotte Graham, 38, of Lytham, Lancashire, paired her green dress with a shrug made from real flowers.
She said, “It’s a small extension of a floral print!”
Ms Graham said the accessory would likely be ‘in the bin’ by the end of the day, adding: ‘No it’s not comfortable but my mother always said you have to suffer to be beautiful!
“I own a bridal shop and it was taken to a florist for a photo shoot, so I was like, ‘I need this in my life.’
“I love style on Ladies Day, I love all the colours. Hope easing the dress code doesn’t make a difference.
Her friend Amanda Warnock, 36, wearing a light blue and white dress with puffed sleeves, said: ‘I think it’s a good thing they’ve dropped the dress code, but I don’t think you’d come here in a sweater and leggings.
“Part of the fun is getting dressed.”
The race meeting will culminate on Saturday when the famous Grand National steeplechase takes place.
This year, Animal Rising activists have threatened to shut down the race and plan to meet at the racetrack on Saturday morning.
