Aintree racegoers grateful for hats as sun shines for first time in decade

Ladies Day visitors wear spectacular outfits with some saying financial sacrifices are worth it to attend Liverpool race

The tradition of fascinators and hats during Ladies Day is usually more about showcasing excellent style than being practical. But this year, spectators at Aintree had good need for their headwear, as the sun shone at the racecourse for the first time in almost a decade.

A crowd of 45,000 people had been predicted, and as temperatures reached 19C on Friday, the Met Office said it was just short of being the warmest Aintree festival this century.