Here come the girls! Liverpool's finest flock to Aintree for first day of races



The sun may not have shone on Aintree today, but the gathering storm clouds were no deterrent for the ladies of Liverpool, who gathered today for the first day of the world famous race meet.



Paying no heed to the chill in the air, Merseyside's finest fillies donned their best outfits for the occasion, with a sea of tanned limbs, bright floral dresses and cheerful fascinators setting the pace for the day's style.

Coleen Rooney, a regular at the annual race meet, put in an appearance, dressed in a fitted fuchsia mini dress with flowing bell-shaped sleeves.

Brightening up: The clouds parted for a while, allowing the visitors to enjoy a moment of sunshine

Race day finery: The ladies arriving for the first day of Aintree gave a taster of things to come at tomorrow's Ladies Day



Chilly fillies! Racegoers leave their coats at home to show off their outfits to their best advantage



The course was celebrating Liverpool day, with races to include the BGC Liverpool hurdle, the Matalan 4YO Novices Hurdle and the Betfred Bowl.

The colourful outfits are a taste of things to come tomorrow, when Aintree will hold its Ladies Day.



Prizes will be awarded for the most stylish racegoers, with a top prize of £5,000 going to the Ladies Day attendee deemed to be the best dressed.



On the course, the racegoers will be able to take in the John Smith's Melling Steeple Chase, won last year by the Paul Nicholls-trained horse Master Minded, and the John Smith's Topham Chase, which takes place on the Grand National course.

Here come the girls: A troupe of pretty ladies enjoy Liverpool Day

Summer brights: Making a splash in buttercup yellow, vermillion and turquoise



Flower power: Bold blooms on black made a statement

On trend: Tropical prints were a popular choice, while summery ruffles and cobalt blue were strong looks Tropical brights: Coral pink and juicy lime tones brought a beach vibe to Aintree

Legs eleven! It was pins at dawn at the Merseyside racecourse Red and white: Bold florals for this cheerful pair

Well groomed: Racegoers dress as glam as they can for the occasion On Saturday, the Merseyside racecourse will see the notorious John Smith Grand National take place, a race that dates back to 1839, when it was first won by a horse called Lottery.

Despite its popularity, the controversial steeplechase has become the focus of much debate after claiming the lives of a number of horses.

Since the year 2000, 20 horses have died on the course or as a result of the race, and in last year's Grand National, just 19 of the 40 horses who started the race completed the course.

Charity Animal Aid is calling for a betting boycott ahead of this weekend's event.

Blondies! With their well-groomed hair and perfect make up, these girls get top marks for effort Neutral gear: Racegoers in monochrome or metallic hues provided contrast to all the brights Frock on! More cobalt blue, along with summery prom dresses and a plunging striped number

Vibrant: Animal prints made a statement, as did plenty of florals and bright contrasting colours



Chilled out! Bare legs and arms were out on show, despite the gloomy weather



Living doll: An Aintree lady wears a powder pink babydoll Prints charming: Graphic patterns were worn in myriad tones

12.10 and we have a faller at the first...

And they’re off – although it appears some fashion fans have more form than others. As Liverpool’s finest arrived at Aintree for the first day of racing yesterday, this woman took a tumble at the first hurdle as she battled to navigate the enclosure in six-inch wedges.

Milly Johnson lost her footing – and almost her modesty – when her gold halterneck dress rode dangerously high as she tried to prevent herself tumbling down the grass bank. The dres code's slipping... Milly Johnson loses her balance on the grass bank but is caught as she falls over Knees up: Her modesty - and dignity - are saved and Miss Johnson, although embarrassed, sees the funny side

Luckily her friend – dressed in a more demure nude tea dress accessorised with a black shawl and fascinator – was on hand to help her to her feet.

The women of Liverpool are always keen to impress when it comes to fashion and yesterday’s start to the annual Grand National meeting was no exception.

Amid a sea of unseasonal tan, and blue and purple taffeta, Coleen Rooney wowed the fashion pack in a bright pink Roksanda Ilincic dress combined with Louboutin heels, a Brigitte Bardot-style back-comb and false lashes. Northern brights: Women chose vibrant colours and eye-catching styles

Tantastic: Girls made sure their limbs were well bronzed ahead of the event Tutu-good: Light, summery styles were the order of the day The long and the short of it: Mini dresses showed off tanned legs and skyscraper heels

Menswear: BB, star of E4 model show Dirty Sexy Things, thinks a knitted onesie is suitable attire for the races, while Liverpool's Mayoral candidate and hairstylist Herbert Howe dresses in his own flamboyant way

In their finest: The first day of racing kicked off in style

Hats off! A well-chosen piece of headgear is a must for Aintree