Excited racegoers have had their say on the first year of the Grand National not having a dress code.
In previous years, The Jockey Club has maintained racegoers should be dressed smartly, but in the lead-up to the coveted three-day festival, it was announced there will be no dress code for the first time.
A statement issued by The Jockey Club's Chief Executive Nevin Truesdale at the time read: "We are encouraging you to dress as you feel most comfortable and confident on race days, as part of our commitment to make the sport as accessible and inclusive as possible and in line with the large majority of other sports.
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"Of course, that does not mean we are discouraging you from wearing your favourite suit or dress or reaching for the most glamorous item of clothing for a day at the races if you wish.
"We are just keen to ensure that your enjoyment is not impacted by whether you can only stand or sit in a certain place based on your choice of clothing. All we do suggest is that you bear in mind the good old British weather when picking your outfit!"
Hattie Vicary, 20, and Tom Vaughan, 19, both from Worcester weighed in with their opinion on the rule change. Hattie said: "I think it's definitely important that everyone feels comfortable here. I think it's one of the only opportunities where you can dress up as much as you like or as little as you like. I think it's great, absolutely. Whatever you want to wear, I think it's brilliant."
When asked if she would ever dress casually for the Grand National, she smirked and said: "Probably not. I'm a bit too bold for that, I like an occasional dress-up definitely."
Tom said: "Personally, I wouldn't [dress casually], because like Hattie, I like an occasional dress up and we don't get enough occasions to dress up. I think if people feel comfortable coming in more casualwear they can but so many people have dressed up for the occasion."
Julie Caulfield, 36, from Wexford in Ireland, said she designed her and her mum's outfits. She said: "I think it's great, I mean it's not for everybody getting dressed up.
"Some people don't know what to wear sometimes, some people don't even have the money to spend on a really nice outfit. So I actually think it's a really good idea. It's a great day and that's the main thing, you know?"
The sign up page for The Grand National 2024 is already available for those who want to get tickets for next year. Those who enter their details will be the first to hear about the tickets and can sign up here.
We'll be following the Grand National Festival live across all three days. For all the latest results, weather and fashion updates, follow here
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