Ladies Day at Aintree Racecourse has once again attracted a vibrant mix of racegoers, celebrating both fashion and the excitement of horse racing as part of the annual Grand National Festival. This fashionable event is considered one of the highlights of the racing calendar, known for drawing attention to the sartorial choices of attendees, particularly women.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, gates opened at 10:30 AM for the second day of the festival, which is expected to welcome over 150,000 spectators across its three-day duration. With the sun shining brightly, attendees took advantage of the pleasant weather to showcase their outfits without bulky coats, opting for figures that ranged from glamorous dresses to eye-catching headpieces.

The focus on fashion is further highlighted by the Style Awards, sponsored this year by River Island. Contestants must register before 2 PM to compete for the chance to win a £3,000 River Island voucher, along with other prizes including Garden Club tickets for next year’s Ladies Day, a Randox Health full-body package, and assorted gifts valued at £1,000. Notably, 2025 marks the first time a prize will be awarded for the most sustainably dressed attendee, who will receive a £1,000 voucher, tickets for next year, and hospitality options for a future Aintree event.

Throughout the day, racegoers were seen flaunting a range of stylish outfits, with vibrant colours dominating the scene. Trends included floral designs, pastels, and striking headpieces that blended creativity with elegance. One standout pair sported a butter-yellow midi dress alongside a periwinkle flower-embellished suit, exemplifying the day’s themes. Styles varied widely, from dramatic florals to minimal silhouettes in bold colours like hot pink that stood out against the more subdued pastels.

While the emphasis on fashion is a major draw, the festivities at Aintree go beyond racing. On Ladies Day, fans enjoyed a lively atmosphere complemented by music from DJ Fat Tony, with live broadcasting by Hits Radio adding to the celebratory mood in multiple event spaces such as the Red Rum Garden Stage and the Sunloch Restaurant.

Among those present was the Princess Royal, who attended a charity lunch held by Racing Welfare, of which she is the president, before watching the races unfold. As the day progressed, attendees were seen relishing the celebratory atmosphere, with many engaging in dance and merriment as drinks flowed.

The Grand National Festival continues on Saturday, with the final race of the event drawing national attention as one of the most significant events in British racing, often referred to as “the People’s Race”. The Aintree racecourse maintains a relaxed dress policy compared to other events, encouraging guests to come dressed “to feel your best,” while upholding standards against offensive fancy dress or sports attire.

As Ladies Day continues to thrive as a celebrated event, it combines the allure of horse racing with dynamic fashion expressions, solidifying its position in both the racing community and broader society.

Source: Noah Wire Services