Welcome to RAINTREE!
Grand National meeting off to a sodden start
RACEGOERS endured heavy rain and strong winds yesterday as the opening of the Grand National Festival turned into a fashion washout.
But the freezing conditions failed to deter the ladies of Liverpool from showing up to Aintree in plunging dresses and daring hemlines, even if they had goosebumps, chattering teeth and rain ponchos as accessories.
Many braved lows of 1C (34F) without a coat and others battled to hold on to their umbrellas amid biting 20mph north-easterly winds.
Opera singer Laura Wright, 28, was soaked as she sang Land Of Hope And Glory in a sleeveless dress as the opening ceremony took place in a downpour. Miss Wright said afterwards: ‘The show must go on, I would only brave that weather for the Grand National Festival... but it was a little annoying with my hair and make-up!’
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: ‘Luckily things will improve in time for the Grand National on Saturday. It should get warmer on Friday morning and will be mostly dry.
‘On Saturday it will be a bit sunnier and will be around 13C (55F).’
A no-fly zone has been imposed above Aintree amid fears saboteurs could use drones to disrupt the Grand National. Anyone who flies a drone within a mile of the racecourse during the three-day festival will be arrested.
The ban comes after Gatwick Airport was brought to a standstill by a drone at Christmas. Dozens of ground staff at Aintree have been issued with a manual describing common drones and urging them to report any sightings immediately.
Security has been tightened, with punters banned from bringing in large handbags. Drug amnesty bins have been introduced amid growing concern over recreational drug use at racecourses.