Ladies Day at Aintree Racecourse is in full swing as part of the much-anticipated Grand National Festival, with the second day of the three-day event taking place on Friday, April 4, 2025. Known for its dazzling displays of fashion, the event has attracted thousands of attendees, who are celebrating both style and excitement amidst the thrill of high-stakes racing.

This year, the weather has pleasantly cooperated, allowing many racegoers to forsake heavy outerwear and showcase their glamorous outfits. Across the racecourse, women adorned in frills, thigh-skimming dresses, and statement headpieces strutted their stuff in honour of the occasion. The Jockey Club noted the day’s ambience, stating, “This is where big hats meet high heels, and the air is filled with the thrill of both the races and the fashion.”

The focus on fashion is accentuated by the annual Style Awards, this year sponsored by high street retailer River Island. Those vying for top honours have until 2pm to have their photos taken in order to enter the competition. Prizes for the two best-dressed racegoers include a £3,000 River Island voucher, two Garden Club tickets for next year’s Ladies Day, a Randox Health full-body package, as well as additional gifts worth £1,000. This year also marks the introduction of a prize for the most sustainably dressed attendee, who will be awarded a £1,000 River Island voucher and other valuable rewards.

The atmosphere at the racecourse has been vibrant, with an estimated 150,000 spectators expected to attend over the three-day festival. Attendees have embraced a wide palette of colours, with floral patterns and pastel shades dominating the fashion scene. Racegoers have opted for classic textiles, vibrant colours, and unique headpieces, which range from enormous floral fascinators to avant-garde designs.

Amidst the festivities, three individuals emerged as winners of this year’s Style Awards: Katie Morris, 22, from St Helens; Lucas Nurney, 23, from Barnsley; and Rachel Ellis. Morris dazzled in a vintage polka dot dress paired with accessories sourced from second-hand platforms, while Nurney wore a striking suit from ASOS, reportedly changing into it just moments before arriving at the venue. Ellis, the winner for sustainable fashion, showcased a dress crafted from recycled materials, complemented by a hat made from vintage flowers that she had created years prior.

“We’re seeing a beautiful blend of glamour and sustainability,” Morris expressed after winning, thanking her friends for encouraging her to enter the competition. Ellis was equally surprised by her win, attributing her award to her creative approach in using sustainable materials for her outfit.

The Grand National Festival will continue tomorrow with its highlight event, the Grand National steeplechase, where 34 runners will compete to achieve victory. As attendees look ahead to the final day, the forecast indicates warm and sunny conditions, likely enhancing the overall celebratory atmosphere of the festival, which combines high-stakes racing with a strong emphasis on fashion.

Source: Noah Wire Services