A velvet brown look and a checked suit for two attendees at the Grand National Meeting on Thursday 2026(Image: Andrew Stenning/Daily Mirror)

91 people having time of their lives at Grand National Thursday

by · Liverpool Echo

The energy was palpable for day one of the races

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Aintree Racecourse welcomed thousands of people for the Grand National's opening day. Crowds, couples and people wanting to make the most of the event arrived dressed to impress and ready to celebrate the world's most famous horse race.

The opening day of the festival remains a standout moment in Liverpool’s social calendar, marking the beginning of the city’s biggest and most anticipated event.

Sprits were high throughout the day from the moment gates opened. Live music and DJs kept the energy going throughout the day, with dancing breaking out across hospitality areas and outdoor spaces.

People enjoyed the sunshine on the dance floor while others made the most of the food and drink options at every corner. Whether guests where there to bet, network, socialise or mingle, the energy was palpable from the very beginning.

The ECHO photographers captured all of today's highlights, from singing and dancing to partying and raising a glass with each other. Take a look at 50 pictures showing people making the most of the Grand National's opening day.

  1. A racegoer on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026 at Aintree Racecourse
    1 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  2. Early bells this morning for some races
    2 of 34(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
  3. An on-theme hat
    3 of 34(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
  4. All smiles despite the weather
    4 of 34
  5. Subtle tones for these two
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  6. Polka dots was a big shout this year
    6 of 34
  7. Some statement pieces
    7 of 34
  8. Radio presenter Leanne Campbell arriving on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival
    8 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  9. New groupchat photo unlocked
    9 of 34
  10. Former footballers Ian Snodin (left) and Graham Stuart arriving on day one
    10 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  11. These three mean business
    11 of 34
  12. The 2026 Christmas card sorted
    12 of 34
  13. Same but different
    13 of 34
  14. These two came prepared
    14 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  1. You can't miss these two
    15 of 34
  2. Complete with a smile
    16 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  3. Monochrome looks
    17 of 34
  4. Same but different
    18 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  5. Weather girls
    19 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  6. These two outfits complement each other so well
    20 of 34
  7. Some tense momnets
    21 of 34(Image: PA Wire)
  8. Double dating
    22 of 34
  9. So candid
    23 of 34(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
  10. Sarah Mckibbon and Jemma Smith
    24 of 34(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
  1. Darby Ward in a white suit in the parade ring on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026 at Aintree Racecourse
    25 of 34(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
  2. Becky Blower, 44, wears a pearly white suit and matching fascinator
    26 of 34(Image: Hannah Rees/Liverpool ECHO)
  3. Lucy Fallon, 30 and Charlotte Jordan, 31 pictured on Opening Day of the Randox Grand National at Aintree
    27 of 34(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
  4. Mum Chelsea White and son Dodger
    28 of 34
  5. Aintree racegoers are always camera ready
    29 of 34(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
  6. An adorable picture of a young Aintree racegoer
    30 of 34(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
  7. Some Peaky Blinder-esque looks
    31 of 34(Image: Daily Mirror)
  8. Punters enjoy picking a winner at the terrace
    32 of 34
  9. Some happy faces
    33 of 34
  10. Racegoers on day one
    34 of 34