AND THEY’RE OFF ...TO THE BARS
Race fans start three day party
THOUSANDS of racegoers yesterday kicked off the three-day Grand National festival with a booze-fuelled party.
And the bars at Aintree – and across Britain – are set to get busier as temperatures soar for a weekend of sport.
Forecasters predict the country will be baked in sunshine in time for tomorrow’s big race.
Girl race-goers started the meeting in style, throwing dance moves as the champagne flowed.
Despite race organisers’ efforts to encourage more conservative dress styles, females flashed the flesh, tans and tattoos in low-cut jumpsuits, tight bodycon dresses and thigh-skimming minis.
TV presenter Rita Fitzgerald was one of the elegant early arrivals, wearing a white dress with a chic cocktail hat.
Big Brother star Laura Carter opted for a racy navy lace bodycon dress.
According to the Jockey Club, which owns the course, this year there is no official dress code though “smart” is preferable.
The blue skies are expected to bring in record crowds for the 170th running of the Grand National which will be screened on ITV for the first time.
Double
And bookies reckon the fine weather will trigger a record 24hour £500million betting spree.
Yesterday fans of arch-rivals Manchester United and Liverpool were teaming up to back Grand National favourite Definitly Red.
The odds of the eight-year-old with the mis-spelt name tumbled to 10-1 as supporters of the clubs – who both play in red – piled on.
A win for the horse would leave bookmakers forking out an unprecedented £40m because many fans have double wagers on the horse and their teams to win.
Worried Coral spokesman David Stevens said: “The most famous National horse of them all is three-time winner Red Rum.
“But if Definitly Red wins, it could be a nightmare for us.”
Bookies expect more than £250m to be wagered on tomorrow’s race – with sports fans betting the same amount again on a host of events worldwide including golf ’s US Masters, the Formula 1 grand prix in China and Premier League fixtures.
A host of celebrities are expected at today’s Ladies’ Day including model Danielle Lloyd, soap star Jennifer Ellison, Olympic hockey champ Sam Quek and soprano Laura Wright.