The Grand National kicks off today and those heading to Aintree will have one thing on their mind - the weather forecast.
Aintree Racecourse is no stranger to wild and wonderful weather during meetings, but with spring here and racegoers eager to get back to the stands for the first time in two years - there is more importance than ever being placed on sunshine.
Unfortunately for Thursday's racing, punters could be in for a torrid time early in the day, the Liverpool Echo reports.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Merseyside ahead of the Grand National festival, with wind and rain expected on Thursday morning.
"Across North Wales and northwest England, winds are expected to peak during the early hours, when gusts will widely reach 50 to 60 mph, and possibly around 70 mph close to some coasts," the Met Office said.
By the time gates open at Aintree, however, the weather should have calmed down markedly. A rather cloudy morning with strong winds, coastal gales and showery outbreaks of rain is expected.
Winds will ease for the afternoon with some scattered showers and sunny spells, but it will feel cold.
A high temperature of 7°C is expected, but will feel like just 2°C. Getting to Aintree may also be a hard task if you are relying on trains.
Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are possible, according to the Met Office. Short term loss of power and other services could occur in a few locations.
NHS Day will see 35,000 fans flocking to Aintree, 10,000 of which visiting as a result of the racecourse donating tickets to NHS workers across Merseyside.
Thursday will feature seven top class races, gates will open at 11:00am and the race times are as follows:
(1.45pm) The SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1
(2.20pm) The Jewson Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1
(2.55pm) The Betway Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1
(3.30pm) The Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
(4.05pm) The Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Steeple Chase
(4.40pm) The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3
(5.15pm) The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2)
