Ladies Day is famous for its fashion and after two years of not being able to attend, spectators will be keen to don their finest. However, their efforts could be scuppered by a storm set to rock Aintree just as racing gets underway.
After a weather warning was placed on the north west on Thursday, there was hope punters would be able to enjoy Friday's action without having to worry about packing an umbrella or their fascinators flying off. But forecasts predict it will be a bright but wet Ladies Day at Aintree.
At present, the Met Office is predicting sunny intervals, changing to thunder showers in the afternoon. "After a mostly dry start with some sunshine" but cloud will bubble up through the morning. Scattered showers may develop at around 13:00, it will also feel chilly but far less windy than on Thursday.
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Though it may change, currently the Met Office expects a thunder storm to hit Aintree at around 14:00, just as racing its getting underway. Conditions should clear up after 17:00pm and a clear, dry evening is forecast for festivities after the racing ends. A high temperature of 8°C is expected, but will feel like just 5°C.
In contrast to Thursday, which saw gusts of up to 70mph, no rail or road disruption is predicted as a result of adverse weather.
Ladies Day will see over 50,000 fans flocking to Aintree all dressed up to the nines. Friday will feature seven top class races, gates will open at 11:00am and the race times are as follows:
(1:45pm) The 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3
(2.20pm) The Betway Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
(2.50pm) The Betway Mildmay Novices' Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
(3.25pm) The Marsh Steeple Chase (Registered as the Melling) (Grade 1)
(4.05pm) The Randox Health Topham Steeple Chase (Grade 3)
(4.40pm) The Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1
(5.15pm) The Park Palace Ponies Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys)
