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Crowds soak up sun for Grand National finale Crowds soak up sun for Grand National finale
(32 minutes later)
Thousands of people turned out to watch the Grand National
Thousands of racegoers filed into Aintree in their finest outfits to soak up the sun ahead of the famous Grand National horse race.
Colourful costumes, fascinators and sharps suits have dazzled at the Merseyside racecourse, with the event expected to draw more than 150,000 people across its three days.
Earlier, all eyes on the horse Nick Rockett, which was ridden to victory by jockey Patrick Mullins to become the winner of the the festival's showpiece event.
The 33-1 outsider held off last year's winner I am Maximus.
Patrick Mullins rode Nick Rockett to victory in the Randox Grand National
The first of Saturday's races began at 13:20, with the last set of horses set to bolt from the traps at 17:35.
Away from the racing, punters have been enjoying the spring sunshine with the popular Ladies Day on Friday coinciding with the year's hottest day so far.
Punters have still had to battle the wind amid the warm spring weatherPunters have still had to battle the wind amid the warm spring weather
Thousands of racegoers have filed into Aintree in their finest outfits to soak up the sun ahead of the famous Grand National horse race.
Colourful costumes, fascinators and sharps suits have dazzled over the past two days at the Merseyside racecourse for the three-day event, which this year is expected to draw more than 150,000 people.
From 16:00 BST, all eyes will be drawn to the 34 runners and riders taking on 30 fences in the flagship steeplechase, the festival's showpiece event.
An estimated 600 million people are expected to watch the event worldwide.
Groups of friends in fascinators have been taking selfies ahead of the raceGroups of friends in fascinators have been taking selfies ahead of the race
Last year's winner I am Maximus, ridden by jockey Paul Townend, will be racing in the event, with hopes for a repeat of its 2024 success. Pints have been poured for thirsty revellers
Punters have been enjoying the spring sunshine at the races, with the popular Ladies Day on Friday coming on the year's hottest day so far.
Pints have been poured for thirsty revellers enjoying for sunshine
The first Saturday race began at 13:20, with the last set of horses to bolt from the traps at 17:35.
Trevor Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National and wore a shirt and tie adorned with racehorses.Trevor Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National and wore a shirt and tie adorned with racehorses.
He said: "It's just a great day out. The atmosphere's fantastic and weather like this - can't beat it.He said: "It's just a great day out. The atmosphere's fantastic and weather like this - can't beat it.
"I have a different shirt every year. This year I've done different because I've got a tie."I have a different shirt every year. This year I've done different because I've got a tie.
"I've told all my mates, because there's about 15 of us, I told all them 'shirt and tie this year' and they all think 'what's he going to wear?'.""I've told all my mates, because there's about 15 of us, I told all them 'shirt and tie this year' and they all think 'what's he going to wear?'."
More than 48,000 people went to the races on Friday, 6,000 more than last yearMore than 48,000 people went to the races on Friday, 6,000 more than last year
The atmosphere is building ahead of the showpiece main eventThe atmosphere is building ahead of the showpiece main event
Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were "so excited" after getting up at 06:00 to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National.Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were "so excited" after getting up at 06:00 to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National.
Ms Duffin: "I'm more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on."Ms Duffin: "I'm more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on."
Asked for any racing tips, Ms Pickles "Just have a bloody good time."Asked for any racing tips, Ms Pickles "Just have a bloody good time."
The pageant is in full swing at the racecourse in Sefton, Merseyside The pageant was in full swing at the racecourse
Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses make Aintree special.Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses make Aintree special.
She added: "Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?"She added: "Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?"
The Grand National Festival is held over three days, culminating in the world famous steeplechase.The Grand National Festival is held over three days, culminating in the world famous steeplechase.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.