Zara Tindall, the daughter of the Princess Royal, was among the 50,000-strong crowd at Aintree's Ladies Day on Friday, where she met Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. The equestrian opted for a cream trouser suit and coordinating hat, accompanied by her husband Mike and daughter Mia.
Ladies Day, dubbed the "Scouse Met Gala," saw racegoers donning extravagant hats and vibrant outfits. Milliner Steph Corlett, 38, from Maghull, Merseyside, reported her busiest year yet for orders, noting that hats have become increasingly popular since the pandemic.
Some attendees sourced outfits from charity shops and preloved apps to save money for betting. Hannah Mooney, 32, from Widnes, Cheshire, used Vinted for her tweed and brown ensemble, while Helen Scott-Allen, 46, from the Isle of Man, wore a vintage 1950s Paganne dress from eBay.
The event builds anticipation for Saturday's Grand National steeplechase, with many attendees already planning next year's outfits. Leanne Kelly, 41, from Perth, Scotland, summed up the spirit: "It's all about the hat. For me, it's got to be big, it's got to be bold."
