Crowds soak up sun for Grand National finale

Thousands of people turned out to watch the Grand National

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 rode Nick Rockett to victory in the Randox Grand National

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.

Punters have still had to battle the wind amid the warm spring weather

Groups of friends in fascinators have been taking selfies ahead of the race

Pints have been poured for thirsty revellers

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?'."

More than 48,000 people went to the races on Friday, 6,000 more than last year

The atmosphere is building ahead of the showpiece main event

Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were "so excited" after getting up at 06:00 to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National.

Ms Duffin: "I'm more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on."

Asked for any racing tips, Ms Pickles "Just have a bloody good time."

The pageant was in full swing at the racecourse

Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses make Aintree special.

She added: "Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?"

The Grand National Festival is held over three days, culminating in the world famous steeplechase.