Your essential guide to Ladies Day at The Grand National 2024

For millions of punters around the world all eyes will be on Saturday’s Randox Grand National, but the undisputed front runner for fashion and racing is always Ladies Day.

If that’s your favourite and you’re planning an amazing day at Aintree, here’s your essential guide to Grand National 2024 Ladies Day …

When is Ladies Day?

As always, Ladies Day falls on the Friday of the three-day Grand National Festival at Aintree. This year that means Friday April 12.

When do the gates open?

Here’s the timing you really need to know, especially if you’ve got a Ladies Day breakfast all booked – gates open at 10.30am.

Is there anything new for Ladies Day this year?

Yes. Two of the most popular features that go to make Ladies Day at Aintree such a fabulous experience have had a bit of a makeover for 2024. The Style Awards have got a new look and a new official style partner this year and the Red Rum Garden has some new additions to make it even better for racegoers.

What’s changed about the Style Awards?

Two big things – high street retail giant River Island has collaborated with the Style Awards for the first time so now it’s an official style partner along with House of Cavani. There are also three top prizes for 2024 instead of the usual first, second and third, so judges will choose two Best Dressed winners and one Most Sustainably Dressed. The whole prize package will be worth £10,000 and includes fashion vouchers, Ladies Day tickets for 2025 and Randox Health full body Everyman or Everywoman packages and Virgin Experience Days voucher.

How do you enter the Style Awards on the day?

It couldn’t be easier, and you can enter as soon as you arrive. Just stand in front of one of the Style Awards flower walls, have your photo taken, give in your details and that’s it. Entries close at 2.20pm, all the photos will go to the panel of judges to decide and then the winners will be announced at around 3.10pm. 

When is the racing?

You’ll want to get there early to make a full day of it, and there’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the first race at 1.45pm. There are seven races in all on Ladies Day with the last one off at 5.15pm. 

What about entertainment?

One of the things everyone loves most about the Grand National is the entertainment and Ladies Day has got a fantastic line-up. The Red Rum Garden has had 60% more wet weather cover added for this year and an elevated main stage so everyone gets a great view. There’ll be live vocals, DJs and Disco Ball Heads on right through the day from 11am, with DJ Chris Stark getting all hands in the air once the last race is run, between 5.30pm and 7pm. Look out for entertainment too at Grand National Avenue, the West Tip and Sefton Arms entrances, the Garden Club, Equestrian Centre and other sites across the course.

How should you get there?

The least hassle way is definitely by train – Aintree station is just over the road from the main entrance to the racecourse and Merseyrail will be running an increased service especially for the three days of the Grand National. Trains will run on a seven-and-half minute service between Liverpool Central/Moorfields and Aintree stations before and after the races. Don’t forget to pick up a free pair of Merseyrail flip-flops before you leave so you can take off those heels and give your feet a rest on the journey home!

Find more information about the Grand National here.