Grand National kicks off at Aintree in Merseyside
Horse racing is supposedly the focus of proceedings. But as the opening day of Aintree drew to a close on Thursday, things seemed to be turning into one big party.
After a day that saw the champagne flow as soon as the gates opened, revellers were in high spirits and even turned the course into a makeshift dancefloor to show off their best moves - with some even continuing the celebrations in the local KFC.
And they were certainly dressed for a party with many ignoring the demure Chanel-inspired dress code suggested by bosses, instead sporting daring looks more suited to the nightclub dancefloor than the racecourse.
Despite organisers' best efforts to encourage more conservative styles, a multitude of racing fans showed off their cleavage in eye-wateringly low cut jumpsuits, while others opted for bodycon dresses and thigh-skimming hemlines.
The skimpy outfits also gave fashionistas the opportunity to show their deep tans and tattoos as outfits with daring cutouts ruled supreme.
Today, racing fans faced heightened security on the 20th anniversary of an IRA bomb scare that called off the Grand National, with bag searches in operation and armed police patrolling the grounds.
However, it did nothing to dampen the high spirits among attendees, with many clearly in the party spirit as they cracked open bottles of champagne as soon as they arrived.
And Merseyside Police issued a statement saying that the heavy police presence was there to reassure those in attendance, and was not connected to any specific threat.
Although there was no sign of the 'Queen of Aintree' Coleen Rooney, who usually attends with a large posse of family and friends, there was certainly no shortage of glamour.
UTV presenter Rita Fitzgerald was one of the elegant early arrivals this morning, wearing a monochrome ensemble of a white dress with a chic cocktail hat, while others covered up against the spring chill in fur hats and scarves.
Big Brother star Laura Carter opted for the more daring style in a navy lace body con dress with multiple cut out panels.
According to the Jockey Club, which owns the course, there is no 'official dress code', but 'smart is preferable and is often adopted'.
'Aintree is a spectacle of colour throughout the year, with many using their trip to the racecourse as an opportunity to showcase their favourite raceday outfits,' a statement read.
'Hats are optional too, but are frequently worn. Sports clothes and fancy dress are not permitted for The Randox Health Grand National Festival.'
In 2015 event organisers implemented a 'Style Code' for Ladies' Day' in an effort to smarten up the event and encourage more sophisticated fashion.
The guide was devised by fashion writers from Vogue and Tatler in conjunction with Justine Mills, owner of Liverpool designer boutique Cricket - a favourite with WAGs such as Coleen Rooney.
It was inspired by the Coco Chanel quote: 'Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.'
And according to the Aintree website, it's there merely for inspiration as opposed to being a strict dress code.
'This aims to inspire and enthuse racegoers to dress to impress and show off their personality through style, whether that be with an alluring headpiece or elegant statement necklace,' a statement reads.
At the time, John Baker, the northwest regional director for the Jockey Club, which owns Aintree, said he hoped to help give the event a facelift.
