Grand Opening Day at Aintree

And we’re off! Good morning - it's the Grand Opening Day of the Crabbie’s Grand National 2015.

It's a bright, chilled and sunny start to the morning and race goers will be pleased to know that the day is predicted to be completely dry, with highs of 17c.

A spot of cloud is expected at around 2pm, but no rain is predicted so far.

There are seven races happening today, with the biggest amount of prize money to be won on the 3.25pm Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle.

The races are traditionally measured in miles and furlongs, with the most prestigious races Graded 1, then Grade 2 and Grade 3.

The first race starts at 1.40pm with the Aintree Manifesto Novices’ Chase, Grade 1, 2m4f, with a prize of up to £90,000. The race is open to horses aged five years or older. The chase is named after Manifesto, a horse which ran eight times in the Grand National between 1895 and 1904, and won the race twice and finished third on three occasions.

The Met Office's website says that there's less than 5% chance of rain all day, signalling a sunny day for those in attendance.

Yesterday, a Met Office spokesman said that temperatures could reach the highest of the year towards the end of the week.

There's parking for 1,800 cars at the Grand National 2015 meeting - but Aintree racecourse bosses say you're best off using public transport.

Every year thousands of race-goers descend on Aintree for the Grand National.

From seasoned tipsters to Ladies Day fashionistas, the racecourse becomes a magnet to people from across the world.

Here we explain how you can travel to Aintree and what the parking arrangements are for those who plan on arriving by car.

This year’s festival runs for three days from April 9 to 11.

What if I’m travelling by train?

For the whole of the Grand National festival weekend, Merseyrail will be running additional services to Aintree station.

Six-carriage services will depart from Liverpool city centre every seven minutes on race days.

There will be additional trains running from Liverpool Central and Aintree, and from Aintree back to Liverpool Central before and after race meetings. These services will call at Liverpool Central, Moorfields, Sandhills and Aintree stations. Check Merseyrail's website for timetable changes.

Those travelling to the Grand National by train from outside Liverpool will generally arrive at Lime Street station, after which it’s a case of taking the underground service to Central before switching to Merseyrail’s Aintree train.

Aintree station is directly opposite the racecourse and just a several-hundred-yard walk.

Can I get to Aintree Racecourse by car?

The racecourse says it has “limited car parking for a fee” on race days.

The racecourse is located on the A59, one mile from the M57 and M58, which link to the M62 and M6.

Those driving from the Wirral should follow signs for Preston after emerging from the Mersey Tunnels, then signs for the A59 and then signs for the races.

The racecourse has car parking space for 1,800 vehicles, which must be booked in advance – but race-goers are advised to travel by rail to Aintree station if possible.

How can I get there by bus?

The 300, 311, 345, 350 and 351 services to and from Liverpool all stop at Aintree.

The 61A route from Bootle New Strand station also calls at the racecourse.

What if I’m flying in especially for the Grand National?

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the closest airport to Aintree Racecourse – the two sites are 18 miles apart by road.

Alternatively, race-goers can take a bus from the airport to Liverpool South Parkway railway station, the airport’s nearest rail link, before using the Merseyrail service to get to Aintree, changing at Central station in the city centre.

Ladies Day at Aintree - Friday 10th April

Ladies Day is always full of glitz and glamour as the women of Merseyside pull out all the stops and do us proud.

As well as all the excitement on the racecourse, there will be the annual search for the most stylish racegoer and lots of celebrities are expected to be in attendance. So get your glad rags on and show them off.

Becky Knightingale - Best Dressed Winner

Beth Ross poses this seasons monochrome trend

Janette O'Connell

Lizzie O'Hare

Racegoers celebrate a win during race day at Aintree 2014

It's a beautiful day today so if you are going to Aintree, have a fantastic day, have a lucky day and please take some photos for your number one favourite - Formby Bubble

The story and photos in this article were supplied by the Liverpool Echo