The ECHO was at racecourse as the Grand National kicked off in true Aintree style
The Randox Grand National Festival 2026 has kicked off in style. Thousands of racegoers travelled to Aintree for the Opening Day (April 9) of the three-day racing event, dressed to the nines in glamorous outfits in true Grand National fashion.
Although Thursday is typically the quieter day of the Randox Grand National Festival, it does not take away from its incredible atmosphere. Georgia and James Reed, aged 39 and 41 and from Norris Green, told the ECHO they attend every Thursday because Friday tends to be a younger crowd.
James told the ECHO: “Saturday is busy, but Thursday is more about the racing, with a good quality and older atmosphere.”
The Opening Day also welcomed families, with the ECHO team speaking to several in attendance. The ECHO spoke to 36-year-old Chelsea White from Litherland, who was at the racecourse in a matching burgundy suit with her 23-month-old son Dodger White.
She said: “He just loves horses; he’s obsessed.” We came to the Boxing Day [race event], and he was just obsessed.”
Mum Emily Bowes, 35, and dad Paul Bowes, 36, from Crosby, were celebrating their daughter Alannah’s first time at the event. The couple are expecting their next baby in July.
Paul said: “We’ve been coming since we were younger, but we’re going to start bringing [Alannah] every year.
“It just brings the city together; everyone gets dressed up, and everyone has a bet on Saturday, don’t they? It’s just massive for the city.”
Princess Anne was pictured earlier today in the stands on the opening day. She also attended the first day of the festival in 2025 alongside her daughter Zara Phillips.
Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on the soap, was in attendance. She was joined by Charlotte Jordan, who previously played Daisy Midgeley.
Influencer Charlotte Dawson, who is the daughter of comedian Les Dawson, was also at the Opening Day.
After favourite Barton Snow won the 3.35pm Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase, Brighterdaysahead relished the step up in trip to showcase her best once again to win the day’s feature race, the 4.05pm William Hill Aintree Hurdle glory.
Gordon Elliott’s star mare had secured top honours over this course and distance as a novice in 2024 but has since predominantly raced over shorter distances, where she has been one of the standout performers in the two-mile hurdling division.
After coming off second best in another tussle with Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, she was sent off the 13/8 favourite here, and in the hands of Jack Kennedy, she shot clear for a two-and-a-quarter-length success in what could turn out to be her hurdling swansong.
“She’s a champion,” winning trainer Elliott said. “This is probably her trip. She was awesome. I was nervous, but it was easy to watch. Jack was brilliant on her.”
Follow the ECHO’s live coverage from the first day of the Randox Grand National Festival.
