Ladies Day at Aintree Racecourse has officially commenced, marking the second day of the Grand National Festival on Friday, April 4, 2025. A highly anticipated event in the racing and fashion calendar, the festival is drawing attention from both local attendees and global viewers. With the sun shining brightly, racegoers arrived early to showcase their striking outfits, which had likely been planned for months in advance.

The gates opened at 10.30 am, and attendees quickly made their way down Grand National Avenue, creating a vibrant atmosphere with bold colours and eye-catching accessories. This year’s Ladies Day saw a notable trend towards monochrome outfits, including polka dots, which gained significant popularity among the stylish crowd. Amongst the fashion highlights, Katie Morris, a 22-year-old from St Helens, was crowned best dressed for her exquisite polka dot dress, complemented by a second-hand hat sourced from Vinted and shoes from River Island. Lucas Nurney, a 23-year-old from Barnsley, also garnered recognition as a best dressed winner, sporting a complete outfit from ASOS.

In addition to the conventional categories, the event included a focus on sustainability with the introduction of the ‘most sustainably dressed’ award. Rachel Ellis, 53, stood out for her eco-friendly look, featuring a second-hand dress originally sold by Nobody’s Child and created from recycled fabric. She accessorised with a handbag from Lulu Guinness and a custom-made hat crafted from vintage flowers.

The fashion display was complemented by various prizing opportunities from River Island, the event’s official style partner. The two best dressed participants received a prize package worth £3,000 in vouchers, along with two Garden Club tickets for Ladies Day 2026 and a Randox health full-body package. In addition, the eco-friendly winner took home a £1,000 voucher and hospitality tickets for an Aintree race fixture in 2025, along with other exclusive gifts.

As racegoers revelled in the festivities, the atmosphere was further enhanced by live entertainment from DJ Fat Tony, who injected an Ibiza vibe into the proceedings, with Hits Radio broadcasting live from the venue. Various stages and areas for fans to explore included the Red Rum Garden Stage, Bandstand, and Sunloch Restaurant, all contributing to the energetic environment of Ladies Day.

Prior to the races, professional jockeys paid a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where they spent time interacting with young patients unable to attend the racecourse. Well-known jockeys such as Nico De Boinville, Harry Skelton, and Rachael Blackmore met children, families, and staff, bringing a moment of joy to the hospital setting. AP McCoy, a former Grand National winner, reflected on the significance of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, stating: “It’s a very special place, and it’s somewhere Liverpool should be very proud of.”

The Grand National Festival continues today with a total of 34 runners participating in the prestigious Grand National steeplechase. Anticipation builds as millions around the world prepare to tune into the iconic race, which features defending champion I Am Maximus among other contenders.

As fashionable racegoers prepare to enjoy the last day of the festival, Ladies Day has once again showcased Liverpool’s rich cultural identity through style, camaraderie, and a zest for racing.

Source: Noah Wire Services