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STYLISH Aintree racegoers today defied the wind and rain - turning heads as they donned glamorous dresses for Ladies Day.

The Grand National is one of the most anticipated events in the racing calendar - and racegoers refused to let their spirits be dampened by this afternoon's drizzly weather.

Women have defied the wind and rain to have fun at the races
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Women have defied the wind and rain to have fun at the racesCredit: Splash
Women braved the rain to party the day away
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Women braved the rain to party the day awayCredit: Splash
The party spirit seems have hit many revellers attending the races
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The party spirit seems have hit many revellers attending the racesCredit: Splash
Women arrived at Aintree Racecourse donning huge fascinators
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Women arrived at Aintree Racecourse donning huge fascinatorsCredit: Rex
Guests have been dancing the day away
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Guests have been dancing the day awayCredit: AFP
The weather isn't bringing down anyone's spirits
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The weather isn't bringing down anyone's spiritsCredit: Splash
A woman had her feet dried by a leaf blower
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A woman had her feet dried by a leaf blowerCredit: PA
Ladies Day fans seemed to be having a fun time at Aintree as they posed for selfies
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Ladies Day fans seemed to be having a fun time at Aintree as they posed for selfiesCredit: PA
With champagne on tap the spirits are high
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With champagne on tap the spirits are highCredit: Splash
Ex-Hollyoaks character Sarah Jayne Dunn looked pretty in pink, donning a frilly tiered dress with a large bow on the front
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Ex-Hollyoaks character Sarah Jayne Dunn looked pretty in pink, donning a frilly tiered dress with a large bow on the frontCredit: BackGrid

Braving the rain, Liverpool ladies turned up in brightly coloured dresses.

Dialling up their looks, women arrived at Aintree Racecourse wearing huge fascinators.

Photographs showed the racegoers happily downing drinks in the rain.

With champagne on tap the spirits are high as the fun-filled few days were underway.

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As groups took shelter in huge tents they danced the day away.

And some even took extreme measures to keep dry - with one pictured having her feet dried with a leaf blower.

Ladies Day is the second day of the 2023 Grand National, with the main race taking place tomorrow.

According to the Jockey Club, the dress code at Aintree is very inclusive.

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The website states: “At Aintree Racecourse we believe racing should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. 

“And one thing is certainly true, the more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a great time. 

“So that’s why we’ve created one very simple piece of guidance, to come ‘dressed to feel your best’.

“So wear what feels right for you and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather.”

Noble Yeats was a 50-1 winner of the National last year but he's carrying a lot more weight this time round
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Noble Yeats was a 50-1 winner of the National last year but he's carrying a lot more weight this time roundCredit: Alamy

Fancy dress is also encouraged, but they add: “please avoid inappropriate or offensive outfits, as anything deemed vulgar or derogatory may be refused entry.”

The Grand National, which will kick off at 5.15pm on Saturday afternoon, remains arguably the biggest horse race in the world.

The event, which traditionally features 40 horses, has been running since 1839 and around a third of the UK is expected to put at least one bet on this year's race.

A YouGov survey conducted by found one in four British men plan to have a punt on the racing, while one in 10 women said they would be placing a bet.

Last year's winner was an eye-opener as Noble Yeats, ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen triumphed and was priced at a huge 50-1.

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Winning the Grand National was a fairytale ending to Sam Waley-Cohen's career as a jockey.

In 2021 Rachael Blackmore became the first-ever female jockey to win the Grand National.

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There was no missing this bright headpiece and bejewelled gown at the racecourse
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There was no missing this bright headpiece and bejewelled gown at the racecourseCredit: PA
Some revellers struggled to hold their umbrellas over their elaborate fascinators
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Some revellers struggled to hold their umbrellas over their elaborate fascinatorsCredit: AP
Drinks appear to be flowing as guests shelter from the rain at Aintree
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Drinks appear to be flowing as guests shelter from the rain at AintreeCredit: Splash
It's Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival today and glamorous attendees have pulled out all the stops
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It's Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival today and glamorous attendees have pulled out all the stopsCredit: PA
TV host Charlotte Hawkins put her best fashion foot fowards in a eye-catching floral gown with frilled sleeves
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TV host Charlotte Hawkins put her best fashion foot fowards in a eye-catching floral gown with frilled sleevesCredit: Splash
One guest appeared to be in a hurry as she broke into a jog in her heels and strapless dress
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One guest appeared to be in a hurry as she broke into a jog in her heels and strapless dressCredit: PA
A stunning racegoer posed up a storm on the pink carpet in a white plunging gown with statement sleeves
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A stunning racegoer posed up a storm on the pink carpet in a white plunging gown with statement sleevesCredit: PA
Towering heels, beautiful dresses and see-through umbrellas have been all the rage today
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Towering heels, beautiful dresses and see-through umbrellas have been all the rage todayCredit: AP
Some people have been very creative in their mission to escape the rain
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Some people have been very creative in their mission to escape the rainCredit: Getty
This colourful hat stood out at the racing event on Friday
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This colourful hat stood out at the racing event on FridayCredit: PA
Guests seemed in high spirits as they enjoyed drinks under umbrellas
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Guests seemed in high spirits as they enjoyed drinks under umbrellasCredit: Reuters
The heavens may have opened at Aintree, but guests are all smiles
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The heavens may have opened at Aintree, but guests are all smilesCredit: CHRIS NEILL
This elegant racegoer was dressed to the nines in an extravagant blue and white gown and matching headpiece
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This elegant racegoer was dressed to the nines in an extravagant blue and white gown and matching headpieceCredit: PA
Bodycon dresses and stilettoes are all the rage at this year's event
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Bodycon dresses and stilettoes are all the rage at this year's eventCredit: PA
Stylish guests posed for the cameras as they arrived for the racing
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Stylish guests posed for the cameras as they arrived for the racingCredit: Reuters
Chic guests Gemma Slater, Charlotte Graham and Amanda Warnock pose for day two of the Randox Grand National Festival
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Chic guests Gemma Slater, Charlotte Graham and Amanda Warnock pose for day two of the Randox Grand National FestivalCredit: PA
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