Home / Lifestyle / Rain Can't Dampen Grand National Glamour
Rain Can't Dampen Grand National Glamour
9 Apr
Summary
- Racegoers braved wind and rain at Aintree's Grand National festival.
- Despite cold temperatures, attendees wore strappy dresses and hats.
- Princess Anne and celebrities were among the attendees on day one.
The Grand National festival commenced at Aintree under challenging weather conditions, with wind and rain marking the first day. Racegoers, undeterred by the plummeting temperatures, showcased their style with strappy dresses, high heels, and elaborate hats, embracing the event's reputation as a more risqué counterpart to Cheltenham. Over 150,000 attendees are anticipated across the three days, with substantial betting expected for the prestigious Saturday race.
Celebrities and notable figures were present, including Princess Anne, former footballer Michael Owen, and Olympic hockey player Sam Quek. University student Annika Courtney highlighted the appeal of new attractions like the O Beach pop-up bar, which featured dancers and music, aiming to attract a younger crowd. These new initiatives were seen as a positive addition to the racing experience.
An important moment of the day was the recognition of jockey Rachael Blackmore, the only woman to win the Grand National steeplechase. Blackmore, who is eight months pregnant, was honored with her own legend's plaque at a new alcohol-free bar named in her honor. The festival, scheduled from April 9 to April 11, 2026, is a major global sporting event, broadcast to an estimated 800 million viewers worldwide.
