The Grand National made an epic return this year.
For the first time in three years thousands descended on Aintree Racecourse to celebrate one of Liverpool's biggest days of the year. Last year's festival was a televised affair which occurred behind closed doors, meaning racing fans could only catch a glimpse of the action by tuning in at home.
But thousands of racegoers came to celebrate once again for the three day festival. From the first arrivals at the racecourse on Thursday, to the style winner on Ladies Day on Friday to the winning horse on the Sunday, the Grand National was full of incredible moments.
READ MORE: Grand National racegoers win £400 off £10 bet after tip from Uber driver
Celebrities and TV stars also made a return to the racecourse to celebrate with fellow racegoers. A Huyton man also celebrated his final day at Aintree racecourse after 60 years of service.
Here is a list of just some of the best moments of the Grand National 2022 at Aintree.
First arrivals
Aintree Racecourse opened it's gates on Thursday for the first time after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. There was a buzz in the air as racegoers donned their finest dresses, suits and fascinators for a day of fun.
It wasn't the sunshine we'd all hoped for - but a bit of bad weather certainly didn't stop early arrivals dazzling at Aintree. Racegoers at the Grand National Festival never fail to impress., often waking up in the early hours of the morning for hair and make-up appointments.
Hoards of keen guests were spotted making their way through the gates of the world-famous race course early on in the day. While the weather required coats and umbrellas, the rain certainly didn't put people off coming dressed to impress.
Despite the weather, spirits didn't seem dampened, as a sea of brollies and stylish coats descended for the biggest fashion day of the Grand National Festival. From fascinators and fun hats to coats and boots, styles varied across the crowd.
The crowds
After periods of isolation and crowds being prohibited during the pandemic, it was amazing to see huge groups back together again. Over the three day period thousands of people gathered to have an amazing time.
People danced and drank together and celebrated as their horses won.
Ladies Day and Style Awards
Thousands of women showed off their amazing outfits on Friday on Ladies Day. Trends which were spotted included colour blocking, corsets and beautiful fascinators.
Donna Mulligan, 39, beat out hundreds of competitors in a classy, vibrant red dress by Karen Millen. It was her first time attending Aintree, and she'll be back tomorrow for the final day of the Grand National Festival 2022.
Ticket holders have gone all out for this year's Ladies Day, which returned as part of the much-anticipated Grand National. There's been hoards of glamorous people sporting suits, co-ords, sequins, monochrome looks and more.
Style Award winner Donna, from Monaghan in Ireland, was "so excited" to be named as this year's winner, bagging a £5,000 cash prize, a £500 Never Fully Dressed/£300 House of Cavani voucher, a spa break and more. Speaking to the ECHO, Donna said she felt "amazing", adding: "I can't believe that I've won the prize, I'm just delighted."
Celeb spotting
A number of celebs also attended this year's event. Liverpool is no stranger to high profile names, but the festival seems to attract more than ever. Over the years many of the great and the good have been spotted at the Grand National.
This year is no different. TV stars such as former Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and former Love Islander Chris Hughes were seen soaking up the experience. The Queen's eldest granddaughter Zara Phillips was also spotted up in the box, along with her husband former England rugby player Mike Tindall.
Cheshire Housewives stars, Claire Sweeney and Helen Flanagan were also in attendance this year.
Grand National racegoers win £400 off £10 bet after tip from Uber driver
A couple won £400 on the Grand National race after their Uber driver gave them a tip this morning.
Daniel and Louise, from Liverpool, shared their story with ECHO reporter Ryan Paton, who was down at Aintree racecourse today chatting to racegoers. The two were still celebrating their big win when speaking to the ECHO.
Nobel Yeats came first in the hugely famous steeplechase at Aintree racecourse, followed by Any Second Now and Delta Work. In the video, Daniel said he and Louise placed a £10 bet - based on a tip from their Uber driver.
Read the full story here.
Grand National 2022: Aintree racecourse legend waves goodbye to festival after 60 years
A Huyton man is celebrating his final day at Aintree racecourse after 60 years of service.
Eddie Fullerton, 74, was just 14-years-old when his mum asked him to tag along to the famed racecourse. Reluctant at first, Eddie soon landed a job as a porter before going on to work at multiple racecourses for the next 60 years.
An Aintree legend, Eddie is known and loved by staff, festival goers and jockeys alike. Speaking to the ECHO on his final day, he said: "I'm feeling well, it's been a long time, I've met an awful lot of nice people on the journey."
Read the full story here.
The Grand National 2022 winne r
Noble Yeats won the Grand National at Aintree in a thrilling 2022 running of the famous race. The whole world watched the Grand National - the world's greatest steeplechase.
Aintree’s course is nearly two and a quarter miles in length and has 16 fences including the challenging Bechers Brook. Going into the 5.15pm race at Aintree, Any Second Now was the favourite, with odds at 9/1.
The second favourite was 2021’s winner Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore. The most popular bet was on Snow Leopardess, at 10/1.
Sam Waley-Cohen steered Noble Yeats to success on his last ever ride. Waley-Cohen, an amateur jockey who turns 40 next week, confirmed earlier in the week at Aintree that he will retire after Saturday’s big race.
He said: “I think that might be my 40th time riding here and Saturday will be my last ride,” Waley-Cohen told ITV. “I'm going to retire, hopefully in the Grand National. I've had such an amazing time. I'm 40 this year and I couldn't have imagined the days I've had and I'd love to do it at Aintree. The course has been so special to me, so it felt like this was the right moment.”
