Racegoers hoping for sunshine and good luck ahead of Grand NationalBy Eleanor Barlow, Press AssociationRacegoers are hoping for sunshine and good luck ahead of this year’s English Grand National. Crowds arrived at Aintree racecourse in Merseyside on Saturday before the world-famous steeplechase, due to take place at 4pm. But animal rights organisations called for the event to be boycotted as the winner of the second race on Friday, Gold Dancer, died after crossing the finish line. A racegoer holds on to her hat at Aintree racecourse (Peter Byrne/PA) Photo by Peter ByrneFor many, the day was not all about the horses. “If I get drunk and I’m cold I’m going to be miserable and I’m not going to want to do anything so I’ve brought my coat for safety,” she said.

Source: Irish Independent April 11, 2026 13:15 UTC