The Grand National Festival 2022 is now well underway and today the big race will be run in front of a crowd for the first time in three years.
People from Liverpool and beyond have taken over the world-famous course this weekend after months of planning the perfect day at the races. Thousands of people will descend on Aintree for the final day of racing, and there are a number of things you're always bound to see on Grand National day.
On Thursday we saw the crowds not letting bad weather spoil their fun on a wet and windy opening day. Yesterday, the sun shone and people dressed to the nines for Ladies Day, which saw Donna Mulligan, 39, crowned the style queen of Aintree as she took home the best dressed racegoer prize.
READ MORE: This is how much drinks cost at Aintree Racecourse
Today, the gates will open once more as Aintree prepares for the Grand National race, which takes place at 5.15pm. If you're a newcomer, there's a few things to know before you arrive at world famous racecourse. Here's our round up of 13 things you're guaranteed to see at the Grand National:
1. Champagne and prosecco in a bag
It's the accessory you didn't know you wanted (or needed). And it'll keep your drinks flowing without having to queue at the bar.
2. Huge hair, fascinators and heels
Go big or go home. Everyone makes a massive effort and we love to see it.
3. Someone trying to sneak handbag vodka in
There's always one who tries it. Thankfully, there are plenty of bars on-site.
4. People wearing sunglasses - whatever the weather
We've nothing but praise for your optimism. Here's hoping the sun cracks the flags.
5. People taking off the heels they've had on since breakfast time and sliding on some comfy flip flops
Flip flops might seem ridiculous when you're dressed to the nines, but after hours of feet squashed into heels they're a godsend. You'll be glad you accepted a pair.
6. Someone in a silly suit
Usually reserved for a groom on a stag do, these suits are often as impressive as any others. The more ridiculous, the better.
7. Huge queues for the ladies' toilets
And even bigger queues for the mirror. People want to look their best, and it shows.
8. Someone will fall over, but will usually be very quickly helped up
The terrain is uneven, and heels do not make the best walking shoes. It's part and parcel of the day, but nobody bats an eyelid.
9. Huge queues for trains and taxis
Public transport is the ideal way to get to and from Aintree. The train station is literally over the road. Many people will have the same idea though, hence the queues.
10. A footballer, or an old pro
Over the years, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard have been spotted at Aintree. A number of older footballers also put in appearances.
11. Someone you went to school with or otherwise haven't seen for years
Expect to hear your name shouted from a distance, before hugs and catch-up chats. It's always the way.
12. Someone celebrating - and then realising it wasn't their horse who won
There's always one who cheers on a horse and gets really excited as it crosses the finish before realising it wasn't their horse. It happens.
13. People making a dash for KFC afterwards, or McDonald's if they don't mind a further walk
With all the excitement of the day, you can forget to eat. Suddenly you'll realise you're starving - and quite tipsy.
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