The Grand National 2022 made it's epic return to Aintree this week with Noble Yeats winning the big race.
After a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic Aintree racecourse opened its doors for the Grand National for the first time in three years and thousands descended on the racecourse. On the final day of the three day festival it was a sold out crowd for the world’s most famous steeplechase the Grand National.
More than 70,000 glamorous racegoers packed out the stands and the weather held out, with only a few short showers in the morning. The ECHO was at Aintree racecourse for all three days of the Grand National, snapping and chatting to people who were looking stylish and enjoying the races.
READ MORE: Grand National 2022 live: Results and winners, racecard, times, tips, and final 40 runners
Emma Kearns, 45, from Huyton was one of the people happy to be back at Aintree racecourse for the Grand Natioanal. She told the ECHO: “I’ve just absolutely loved being back. The atmosphere is amazing, everyone is feeling good, there’s no negativity. Everyone is just made up an the staff are incredible too. There’s not been one bit of trouble.”
Oisin Murphy who has been coming to Aintree Racecourse since 1994 told the ECHO not being able to be at Aintree racecourse last year was "the worst day of my life." He said: "It was the saddest because of covid, that is when I really got upset about covid. We watched it at my friends house and his wife gave us a smoothie made with kale.
"It was a disaster. We had to go for a smoke outside and watch it on a tablet. It was awful."
Oisin also spoke of his love of Scousers, he told the ECHO: "In my view it's the best racecourse I have ever attended. The track is beautiful, Liverpool people are warm and friendly and everybody is completely polite. Just lovely people, lovely racecourse, lovely time, sun on our backs. Doesn't get better than this."
One couple from Perth, Scotland, said they come for the first time in 2019 before the pandemic and were desperate to get back as soon as it reopened. Darren Cameron, 26, and Jennifer Richie, 22, told the ECHO: "We loved it the first time so wanted to come back. We're backing Minella Times."
Hayley Bland, 37, from Newcastle, was at the course with her husband Chris, 39, who was there to celebrate his 40th birthday. He told the ECHO: "It's my big birthday next week so we're hoping to get some winners. If we can go home with more than we came with that would be a dream, we've set ourselves a budget but we're happy to lose it as part of the experience."
The Grand National is also known for its fashion. Today many racegoers opted for glamorous dresses and jumpsuits, in bright block colours such as red, blue and white. Already this year, Aintree racegoers have started new trends such as flamboyant headwear , neon outfits and fedora-style hats .
For Grand National Day, the ladies at Aintree decided to bring a vintage vibe to the races. Many of the women came dressed in corset dresses featuring a boned bodice - or a design that gives the illusion of it - leading into a midi skirt.
Many celebrities were also spotted today. 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.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was also at Aintree racecourse and met honorary runner and 'miracle' girl Betty Batt and her family, from Warrington. The winner of the final race was Noble Yeats with odds of 50/1. In second place was Any Second Now with odds of 15/2 and third was Delta Work with odds of 10/1.
After watching his son win the Grand National on a horse he owns in his last race, an understandably emotional Robert Waley-Cohen spoke to ITV and said: "It's a dream come true. Just fabulous. It's a team and thank God it has really worked. He has so much dedication and puts in so much hard work."
There was also sadness at the racecourse today after a horse died. Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack on the run to the line in the 2.25pm Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday. The Dan Skelton-trained horse, ridden by Harry Skelton, collapsed when finishing fourth and a green tent was erected around the six-year-old. It was confirmed Elle Est Belle had to be put down.
You can look back on the ECHO's coverage of the Grand National 2022 here.
