Aintree Ladies Day: Glam woman given best dressed award after winning horse dies

[A racegoer carrying a drink on Ladies Day of the Randox Grand National Festival]

A racegoer carrying a drink on Ladies Day of the Randox Grand National Festival

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(Image: PA)

And with the exciting announcement of the BHOLDA (Best Hat of Ladies Day Award) 2026, that signals the end of my time on the liveblog.

I'm off to wolf down some chips and crack open a bottle of bubbly just like this glam pair (although I probably won't be in a white dress when doing so).

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This extraordinary green fascinator is the official BHOLDA (Best Hat of Ladies Day Award) winner!

It reminded us a bit of aliens, a bit of Thorpe Park, and a bit of something that came out of my nose when I had a bad cold.

Either way, it's a stunner, as is the lovely lady sporting it. Congratulations.

The two on either side of her aren't too bad either.

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(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Whoever took this snap should have offered a top-up to the girl on the right - her glass is completely empty.

A rare scarf wearer too it seems, so we'll award her the Daily Star BSOLDA (Best Scarf of Ladies Day Award).

Congratulations!

The races may have finished, but the party has only just begun at Aintree.

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(Image: Liverpool Echo)

These glam racegoers are letting it loose after what's been a day of booze, bets and, most importantly, big hats.

Enjoy, ladies!

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We assume these guys are taking a pause to read the Daily Star Aintree live blog, and see if we've announced the prestigious BHOLDA (Best Hat of Ladies Day Award).

Don't worry guys, we haven't yet, but it is coming soon!

Laafi has won the 5:15 Debenhams Handicap Hurdle, beating Harry Lowes by a hair...

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(Image: Getty Images)

A senior animal rights activist has criticised Aintree following the death of Gold Dancer in the 14:20 race today.

Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, told the BBC: "Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people's entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle, which flies in the face of animal welfare.

"The public and businesses should boycott the Aintree Festival, refuse to bet on the racing, and stop watching the ITV coverage and advertising which glosses over the animal cruelty."

"The government needs to act as the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club is prioritising gambling profits over the lives of the horses."

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It's just under ten minutes until the last race of the day. Here's the line up for the 17:15 Debenhams Handicap Hurdle

Harry Lowes 7/2

Sherminator 4/1

Pourquoi Pas Papa 8/1

The Mighty Celt 9/1

Rubber Ball 9/1

Wreckless Eric 10/1

Melon 10/1

Wandering Ego 12/1

12/1 BAR

Odds provided by Oddschecker

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(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

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Pretty in pink

Best Dressed winner Hannah has told reporters she's 'buzzing' after the win, which will see her jetted off to Ibiza as a prize.

She told the Liverpool ECHO, she said, "I am so buzzing. I am so excited. It's such a nice prize to win so I am so happy."

"I found the jacket and skirt first on Vinted from Leyna Dresses and I loved it. I pieced the fascinator and shoes and bag around it. I love something a bit different that no one else would have."

Hannah's Vinted finds came to about 170 while the flowery fascinator was around 180. Her bag cost between 20 to 25 while her shoes, which she has owned for "ages", were around 20.

[An individual dressed formally, sporting a beard and glasses, appears to be engaged in conversation, with a slightly blurred figure visible in the background.]

(Image: PA)

We're down to the final race, but judging from the pictures coming out of Aintree, the booze is still very much flowing and the bets are flying in too.

Oh, and former Portsmouth midfielder Jamie O'Hara is here too. Hi Jamie!

Zeus Power wins the 4:40 after going neck and neck with 33-1 outsider Catchintsavo in second.

Race favourite Johnny's Jury finished in third.

Stay tuned for updates on the next Aintree race, the 4:40 Sefton Hurdle.

Will The Wise 9/1

Gentlemen De Mee 10/1

Viroflay 11/1

Booster Bob 12/1

Boombawn 14/1

Mahons Glory 16/1

16/1 BAR

Theatre Native N/R

Prairie Wolf N/R

Jipcot N/R

Odds provided by BetGoodwin

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(Image: Andrew Stenning/Daily Mirror)

Liverpool legend and all-time top scorer Ian Rush has been in attendance at Ladies Day, along with his polkadot-sporting wife Tracy.

He said: "Aintree is very good. It's nice to see the sun out, and there's some great people in The Jockey Club's Chairman's Suite.

"The people and the atmosphere is great. It's like being at a Liverpool game. The people are so friendly and it just makes it special.

"I'm with Henry De Bromhead (racehorse trainer) today, so I'll be backing his horses in the Grand National.

"There's a Welsh horse as well, Haiti Couleurs, so from a Welsh point of view I'd like to see that do well. But Henry is more of a personal friend, so fingers crossed he'll have another National winner.

"I've caught up with Steve Bruce and Steve McManaman today, and I'll have a drink with Sir Alex [Ferguson].

"Whether you've played for Man United, Liverpool and all that, when you come to this we're all together and we all know what it's about. It's great to catch up about the old days, and we always talk about the old days."

Asked how he is after a health scare last year, he said: "I was struggling a bit, but I've recovered. I was sent to Dubai for a bit of recovery over Christmas and new year. A bit of heat and all that.

"I was very lucky, I have to admit that. But you've got to look to the future. I've got to put things right. I did think I was maybe a goner, but I've survived now so you've got to enjoy yourself now.

"We're only here once, so we've got to start enjoying ourselves. At the end of the day we've got to realise how lucky we are.

"We're lucky to be here today, so we've got to try to make the most of it."

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Pretty in pink

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(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Hannah Smith (right) wins the Jockey Club's award for Best Dressed!

We've already admired her stunning pink dress and fascinator, although we did wonder if she might have fallen through a flower bed on her way to the races.

In all seriousness, congratulations Hannah, what a fab look. We hope you enjoy your trip to Ibiza.

1 - Will The Wise (Conor Stone-Walsh) - 9/1

2 - Ile Atlantique (Paul Townend) - 6/1

3 - Madara (Harry Skelton) - 7/2f

Will the Wise has won the 4:05 Handicap Chase!

The 16:05 Randox Topham Handicap Chase set to begin

Madara 4/1

Ile Atlantique 7/1

Will The Wise 9/1

Gentlemen De Mee 10/1

Viroflay 11/1

Booster Bob 12/1

Boombawn 14/1

Mahons Glory 16/1

16/1 BAR

Theatre Native N/R

Prairie Wolf N/R

Jipcot N/R

Odds provided by Oddschecker

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No, It's a glammed up race-goer wearing an emergency blanket as a cape.

We reckon she's been inspired by the Artemis II shuttle, or perhaps she got her jacket muddled up with a roll of tin foil and had to improvise.

Either way, the dress itself is a stunner, and if it keeps her warm out on the course, who are we to judge?

We're just over 5 minutes away from the Randox Topham Handicap Chase, which gets going at 4:05.

Former England rugby star Mike Tindall said: "I wasn't supposed to be at Aintree today, we were supposed to be at the Bahrain Grand Prix, but obviously that has been cancelled. So this was a late try and get up for one day and we're only here for the Friday."I think the Grand National is going to be so open. It's just where do you put your flag? You can end up backing seven of the horses and none of them will come in, so I don't know. I think for the National it's just such an iconic race. When you were young everyone talks about the National."Ask AP [McCoy], it's the hardest race in the world to win. So many numbers. It's getting slightly different now, with the changes to the fences and everything. It's slightly easier to get round than it used to be, so it always gives you a bit more of a hope that yours will win."Tindall has his own emotional attachment to the Grand National, having bought a horse - Monbeg Dude - for 12,000 who went on to finish seventh and third in the race in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

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Zara, Mia and Mike Tindall on Ladies Day of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026 at Aintree Racecourse. Picture date: Friday April 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

He said: "Aintree holds very special memories, with Monbeg Dude and the two trips he gave us around here. When we came in and went to the Parade Ring for the first race, remembering him coming third and being in there. It's a special day today."Speaking about Ladies Day, he said: "They never let you down at Aintree. That's what I love about racing - everywhere is just so different."You go to Flat racing at Epsom, and you look at what Cheltenham is and if the sun's just breaking through when Aintree comes around actually, it doesn't really matter, it could be freezing cold, they pick their outfits and they're out."It's amazing to see and it's just a completely different vibe. It's also amazing to see how racing can be so different depending on location, but still equally great fun."

Grey Dawning wins the JCB Melling Chase after a close ride right up until the finish. Jockey Harry Skelton says the win "means a lot".

Finishing in second was Solness.

Heart Wood 5/4Gidleigh Park 4/1Grey Dawning 4/1Solness 8/1Leau Du Sud 12/1JPR One 20/1Saint Segal 50/1

Odds provided by Oddschecker

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(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Traitors winner Leanne Quigley is in attendance, looking glam in a pink dress and matching hat.

The former soldier, who split a winning prize of nearly 100,000 when she won the BBC show, joins the long list of racegoers who selected pink as their colour of choice.

Storming George has won the ThatPrizeGuy Top Novices' Hurdle.

He was ridden by Jack Quinlan. Sinnatra finished second and Baron Noir was third

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Eddie OLeary, who manages Gold Dancer, has stated that the winning horse broke his back and has been put down.

"Hes been put down. He broke his back. Its terribly sad for the horse. What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong."

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In tragic news, race winner Gold Dancer has reportedly died following a fall at the final hurdle.

Gold Dancer was able to finish the race, although was immeditately attended to by racecourse vets.

More to follow.

Race winner Gold Dancer, who took a stumble jumping over the last fence, is down and receiving treatment behind a privacy screen.

The other two horses who fell during the race,Miami Magic and and Jordans Cross, are both believed to be up and off the track however.

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Wellington Arch ridden by Jonjo O'Neill Jr (left) jumps the last ahead of Favour And Fortune ridden by Tom Bellamy on the way to winning the William Hill Handicap Hurdle(Image: PA)

Reports are emerging that Daily Star's very own racehorse Wendigo may have been kicked by another horse at the start of the race.

We've got our top sports analysts looking over the footage, to see if he was the victim of a cheeky hoof.

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Wendigo has been defeated, but the glitz and glam of Ladies Day must go on, as does this blog.

Someone at Aintree appears to be awarding women with free sandals, although is this glam racegoer a shoe in for Best Dressed?

Wow! What a race that was. Gold Dancer takes first place, with Regent's Stroll in second.

Two horses down and out of the race. More to follow.