Crowds soak up sun for Grand National finale

A man clenches his fists in celebration as racegoers react at Aintree on Grand National day.
Thousands of people turned out to watch the Grand National [Reuters]

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 riding Nick Rockett on his way to winning the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase
Patrick Mullins rode Nick Rockett to victory in the Randox Grand National [Reuters]

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.

Racegoers arrive at the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. Four women are laughing as the wind gets up, with two holding on to their headgear.
Punters have still had to battle the wind amid the warm spring weather [EPA]
Two women stop for a selfie at Aintree Racecourse. Behind another woman looks on.
Groups of friends in fascinators have been taking selfies ahead of the race [EPA]
A board listing the runners of the Grand National on day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool.
Pints have been poured for thirsty revellers [PA Media]

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.

"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?'."

A crowd shot of racegoers on day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool.
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