Some 70,000 spectators cheered on Grand National winner Noble Yeats at Aintree racecourse on Saturday, marking the first time the famous steeplechase has been open to the public since 2019. The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus and held behind closed doors last year, making this year's event particularly special for attendees.
Despite rain and hail during most of the second day, the sun appeared just in time for the race, won by jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, 39, who had announced his retirement beforehand. The Duchess of Cornwall presented the trophy to Waley-Cohen.
Among the crowd were many returning to their annual tradition, such as Rachel Carhart, 30, attending for the tenth time, who said: 'I love it, it's my favourite day. The atmosphere is amazing.' Others, like Gabriella Nielson, 27, from Prescot, Merseyside, expressed relief: 'We have missed it so much. It's such a good day for everyone to get together.'
For some, the event was a long-awaited celebration. Nicky and Steven Baird from Glasgow originally bought tickets for their father's 70th birthday in 2020, which was marked with a Zoom party. Nicky said: 'We're so excited to be here. I think it's 100% going to be extra special this year.'
Notable attendees included Zara Tindall, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, former Liverpool FC manager Sir Kenny Dalglish, and celebrities such as Coronation Street's Antony Cotton and Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter. Football pundit Chris Kamara, attending for the first time, said: 'It's unbelievable. I've ticked it off the bucket list.'
