And they're off! Aintree's eye-popping fashion girls

A vast array of brightly patterned outfits was on display for the start of Aintree today with the usual medley of ensembles that were more entertaining than the racing.

The equestrian event, known for its colourful female punters, didn't fail to disappoint as it kicked off with a bang.

Cleavage-revealing maxi dresses appeared the popular choice of the day.



Take it to the maxi: Racegoers at day one of Aintree opt for brightly coloured outfits



The Seventies trend has made its way from the catwalk to the racecourse with ladies competing for attention in floppy hats, platforms and florals.

Elsewhere, women wore simple dresses but let their accessories do the talking.



Millions worldwide are expected to have a flutter and tune in on Saturday as dozens of runners and riders contest the world famous steeplechase.

Braving the rain: Some women kept it classy with simple dresses but impressive fascinators

Boom or bust: Elsewhere, short hemlines, bright colours and exposed cleavage were the order of the day



Today's event has been rebranded Liverpool Day and aims to be a celebration of the city.

Liverpool's most cherished comedian Ken Dodd will officially open the three-day extravaganza of sport and entertainment.

Doddy remembers the first time he went to the Grand National - more than 70 years ago.

He said: 'My mum and dad used to take me on every day of the Grand National; I can remember my first Grand Nationals in 1938 and 1939; and famous winners like Golden Miller; then Reynoldstown winning two years running.



That 70s show: The trend made its way to the equestrian event after being a big hit on the High Street



Fashion forward: The equestrian event also featured some outfits that were more adventurous than others



'The first time I went on my own as a grown teenager I backed Lovely Cottage and I was amazed when he won.'

Alongside the racing, a host of events are taking place to mark the city's culture and heritage.

The Red Devils will be parachuting onto the course; dancers and stiltwalkers will be entertaining the crowds; as well as a full programme of live music, headlined by popular Mersey band The Farm.

Strike a pose: Many racegoers wore sky-scraping heels and colour-coordinated their clutch bags and fascinators

In the pink: From fuchsia to candyfloss, the girly shade was a popular choice



The group, which topped the charts with 'All Together Now' will perform a 45-minute set after the day's racing.

Liverpool-inspired music, comedy, entertainment and sport will all be on offer, with the BGC Liverpool Hurdle race opening the meeting.

Emma Owen, Marketing and PR Manager at Aintree Racecourse, said: 'This will be a great party for Liverpool; a city which is famous for its fashion, culture and sport and it's fantastic we've managed to secure The Farm who will no doubt be the icing on the cake in our Liverpool Day celebrations.'

Naughty streak: Two women run across the racecourse taking their dresses off



Reprimanded: They were arrested and escorted off the premises



Friday is Ladies' Day - a firm fixture on the North West social calendar, frequented by celebrity WAGs such as Colleen Rooney, Alex Curran and Sheree Murphy.

Liverpudlian X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson will headline Ladies' Night on Friday in Aintree's iconic Red Rum Garden following the racing.

On Saturday, 40 of the world's most talented horsemen and women will gather to compete in the biggest social event in the sporting calendar - the John Smith's Grand National itself.



Less is more: Some girls scored style points with simpler sartorial choices

