Aintree Racecourse dropped its dress code earlier this week, a move that has divided opinion.
While comfort has taken the front seat for nights out in my 30s, I'm still one of those people that will squeeze my trotters into six inch heels to walk the concourse.
The races is just...different. The build-up, the effort, the outlandish dresses and huge fascinators. I love it all. Horse racing is known as the Sport of Kings, but give me L9 over Ascot any day.
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I've always liked a flutter. My mum and dad met at the bookies; she was a cashier and he'd come in and for a pen because he was too shy to ask her on a date.
I started going the races as a teenager with friends when the night meetings were on at Aintree. I remember being on work experience in year ten and giving the nursery I was at a note saying I had a dentist appointment so I could leave early and get my hair done (sorry Northcote on Rice Lane, the jig is up after 18 years!)
Even then, with literally no money, we knew the stakes were high when it came to fashion. The buzz was just electric even then, and nothing comes close to the Grand National.
Even when I was little, it was an event in our family. I'd watch it at my nan's and she'd let me put 50p each way on a horse (I never won).
My first experience seeing the world's most famous steeplechase in the flesh was when I was just 19. The build up to the main event is fantastic, but the peacocking beforehand just adds a certain magic that's unmatched.
I've visited Cheltenham and Chester, but one thing that rings true is that Scousers will not hesitate to get dolled up for the gee gees. And it's not just the women. The men turn up in their droves with fresh haircuts, polished shoes and perfectly tailored suits.
I'm going on Saturday this year and I've been thinking about my outfit for months. I don't want that experience cheapened by casual attire unfortunately.
Every year I see groups turning up on Ladies Day in fancy dress and my toes curl. Each to their own, but one publication we shan't mention tries year after year to shame us and this gives them the ammunition.
So while I wouldn't welcome a stricter dress code like Ascot for example, I think it's wise to have guidance in place - not that anyone from Liverpool will listen. I still expect a sea of fascinators, curly blows and sky high heels regardless of whether there's a dress code or not.
Do you agree with Aintree Racecourse dropping their dress code for the Grand National? Let us know in the comments.
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