Aintree racegoers soaked up thrills and showers on Opening Day of the Randox Grand National Festival, in icy 9C temperatures and chilly breezes. The must-have fashion accessory was an umbrella as scantily-clad punters saw their flimsy frocks dampened, but not their spirits, by the gusts and the rain.

Anne, the Princess Royal, 75, and ex-England striker Michael Owen joined thousands of fans packing out the Merseyside track which bathed in early morning sunshine before dark clouds swooped in. On Wednesday the UK enjoyed the hottest day of 2026 with the mercury soaring to 26.6C at Kew Gardens, in London, making it the UK's warmest early April day in 80 years.

Yet 24 hours later, when the heavens opened over Aintree, it failed to deter racegoers who beamed and cheered in the three-day festival's party atmosphere.

Some revellers danced the showers away in the new 'O Beach Ibiza,' a white, pointed, ornate party DJ tent carpeted with fake grass that organisers said boasts a "feel-good, high-energy mood."

University student Annika Courtney, 21, said of the Ibiza-themed bar: "It's a great idea; my friends all love it. I'm just glad they haven't brought sand in here as it would get in your shoes!"

Over the three days, around 150,000 racegoers will down 10,000 bottles of fizz, 193,000 pints of Guinness and lager and 62,000 shots of vodka.

Sue Connor, from Aintree, and Linda Johnson, from Waterloo, Liverpool, have been attending the three-day festival since they were teenagers.

Sue, 59, said: "We've grown up at Aintree. We've been coming here since we were around 14. It's the buzz every year - and it's an excuse to get dressed up."

But pointing to her friend Linda, Sue added: "This woman right here has just had major surgery for cancer. It's her first time being out since, so it's a real celebration.

"For her to be here today is amazing - five weeks ago she was in intensive care at the Royal Hospital!"

Ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker Michael Owen, 46, said: "I didn't really come to Aintree as a player because Grand National Saturday was always a playing day and we couldn't be seen out and about!"

Other local celebrities included former Everton footballers Ian Snodin, 62, and Graham Stuart, 55.

Pregnant jockey Rachael Blackmore was the toast of the course after being inducted as a Grand National Legend before racing started on Thursday morning.

The 36-year-old, who became the first female jockey to win the 'World's Greatest Steeplechase' in 2021 on Minella Times, had her Legends plaque on the wall of Blackmore's - a new alcohol-free bar named after her at the track.

Aintree Racecourse Chair Julian Taylor told her: "You are a sporting icon, not just here at Aintree but globally, and you are also a lovely human being. Many congratulations to you."

Tee-total Rachael, who is now retired, said: "I think it is a brilliant initiative to have an alcohol-free space. I don't drink myself, so I'd better be able to get a free hot chocolate in a minute!"

Saturday's 30-fence Grand National will see 34 horses run over four-miles and two-and-a-half furlongs in what will be the 178th running of the 187 year-old race.

But last year's Grand National winner Nick Rockett will not line up to defend his Randox Grand National crown after being declared a shock non-runner.

Bookmakers face a multi-million pound payout on red-hot Grand National hopeful 'Panic Attack' - as the mare is tipped to be the first female horse winner in 75 years.

Schooled by champion trainer Dan Skelton, Panic Attack's odds have already plunged from 16/1 to 10/1 in last 48 hours, and could attract huge chunks of the £250m wagered on the race in the UK.

The last mare to win was Nickel Coin in 1951 and the name Panic Attack is set to attract support from punters panicking about oil prices, Donald Trump and global unrest.

Coral's David Stevens told the Express: "Although it's been 75 years since a mare last won the Grand National, plenty of punters are backing Panic Attack to triumph on Saturday.

"Her trainer Dan Skelton is on the verge of being crowned Champion trainer for the first time, and a Grand National victory would set the seal on that in style.

"With Panic Attack proving so popular, it's fair to say her name sums up how bookies are feeling about her right now!"