A member of the royal family has been spotted at Aintree racecourse. The Randox Grand National Festival officially opened its gates this morning, ready for three incredible days of racing. Thousands of racegoers, including some famous faces, have descended on Aintree Racecourse for the first day of the festival.
More than 150,000 racegoers are expected at the three-day event here on Merseyside. Gates opened at 11am this morning (April 9) and the ECHO has already spotted some familiar faces.
Aintree is one of the year’s most glamorous and exciting events of the year – so it comes as no surprise that many high-profile celebrities have graced the stands for the Grand National festival in the past.
The three-day festival got off to a great start, as Princess Anne was spotted on Opening Day. A keen racegoer, The Princess Royal has been spotted at Aintree several times over the years.
The Princess Royal on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.)
Princess Anne was pictured earlier today in the stands on day one of the annual event.
It seems the Princess is making her trip to Aintree a yearly tradition, as she also attended the first day of the festival in 2025 alongside her daughter Zara Phillips.
Princess Anne is regular visitor to Liverpool, as she made the trip up north last year to visit Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship, which was docked in Liverpool last spring.
She is back on Merseyside today for day one of the most important horse racing events in the UK calendar.
Other famous faces the ECHO has already spotted on the course include Sir Alex Ferguson, former footballers Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart, radio personality Leanne Campbell as well as Coronation Street stars Lucy Fallon and Charlotte Jordan.
Radio presenter Leanne Campbell arriving on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.)
There are four Grade One races today, and the tone for the entire festival will be set by the time the gates close later this afternoon.
The festival atmosphere will soon be in full swing as Aintree gets ready to host the 178th running of the Randox Grand National on Saturday April 11.
Throughout the day, our on-course reporters, photographers, and racing experts will provide live updates, capturing everything from the first arrivals and best-dressed racegoers to expert betting tips, race results, and all the standout stories.
Whether you are searching for the full Grand National Thursday racecard, key betting insights, or the best moments from day one at Aintree, we have it all covered.