Among the thousands who poured through the gates on Thursday morning was none other than Princess Anne, who added her trademark elegance to one of Britain’s most iconic sporting events.
Princess Royal, a familiar face at Aintree, appeared right at home as she took her place in the grandstand on day one of the three-day racing spectacle.
Dressed in a smart orange coat, she brought a pop of color to an otherwise gray Merseyside sky.
With more than 150,000 racegoers expected across the festival and an estimated £250 million to be wagered ahead of Saturday’s big race, the energy at Aintree was unmistakable.
Last year she attended the festival with her daughter, Zara Phillips, and remains a regular visitor to Liverpool, having previously traveled to the city for events such as the visit to Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship.
Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson, former England striker Michael Owen, Olympic gold medalist Sam Quek and Coronation Street stars Lucy Fallon and Charlotte Jordan were among the famous names soaking up the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, racing history was quietly being made. Champion jockey Rachael Blackmore, the first woman to win the Grand National, was honored with her own “legend” status.
