All the celebrities we spotted at Grand National Thursday
by Paul McAuley · Liverpool EchoInfluencers, TV stars and footballing legends turned up for the first day of the 2026 festival
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The opening day of the Grand National Festival has come to a close, and it certainly delivered a memorable start to the event. Excited racegoers began gathering outside the venue well before the 11am gates opened, eager to try their luck and enjoy the atmosphere.
Once inside, many stepped onto the racecourse with hopes of a winning flutter, while others simply came to soak up the experience. As the first of three days in the festival, Thursday quickly set the tone, with plenty of standout outfits making an early impression.
This year’s unofficial style themes appeared to centre around maroon tones, soft pastels, and a quietly emerging designer label. Anticipation is already building for what will come on Ladies Day tomorrow, Friday April 10.
Before then, we’ve rounded up some of the familiar and famous faces spotted at the world-renowned racecourse today.
Radio presenter Leanne Campbell arriving on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026
1 of 9(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.)The Princess Royal on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse
2 of 9(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.)Former jockey Rachael Blackmore opens Blackmores Bar, a new alcohol-free facility on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026 at Aintree Racecourse.
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Sir Alex Ferguson before watching Protektorat finish second in the Racing Welfare Bowl Chase on day one
4 of 9Darby Ward (right) in the parade ring on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026
5 of 9Love Islander Cheyanne Kerr all in blue
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Actresses Lucy Fallon and Charlotte Jordan
7 of 9Former footballers Ian Snodin (left) and Graham Stuart arriving on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival 2026 at Aintree Racecourse.
8 of 9(Image: PA Wire)Tiktoker James Foley had sit down chat with ECHO's Christopher Megrath
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