And they're off...the heels that is! A day of revelry takes its toll on the ladies (and gents) at Aintree as the course is strewn with rubbish, ambulances are called and the racegoers don't seem to be able to keep their outlandish outfits on any longer!

• Racegoers vied to win the title of best dressed racegoer on Ladies Day at Aintree

• The winner of the prestigious prize will get a luxury holiday worth £10,000 in the Dominican Republic

• Despite the chilly weather, summery sleeveless frocks and open sandals proved popular with the style set

• Other trends to win the approval of the Aintree crowd included monochrome and summery floral print

• The highlight of today's on-course action is the Melling Chase which comes with prize money worth £200,000

• But not everyone got it right, among them the stars of the new series of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding

• The days ends in chaos as the course is covered in rubbish and guests need medical attention

A day of partying at Aintree finally took its toll on many of those that attended as some racegoers collapsed and most of the ladies could no longer bear to walk in their very high heels.

Dozens of police were seen in attendance and some people needed medical attention after what had clearly been a long day at the races.

The clean up operation will no doubt take hour tonight ahead of tomorrow's Grand National race.


No calm after the storm: Ladies swapped heels for flip-flops as they left Aintree in Liverpool after today's Grand National
One woman was surrounded by Police after she fell at the end of Ladies Day at Aintree

This woman fell asleep in her partner's lap after a day of merriment at the races

Some left bleary-eyed while others looked unshaken by the Ladies' Day revelry

Looking happy: Many of the women took off their shoes after a day walking around the Aintree racecourse. Behind is the sea of litter surrounding the track
Feeling the cold: The revelers left the track as temperatures dropped at Aintree. Women hobbled through the sea of plastic cups to leave the track

Feeling the effects: One woman gives the thumbs up as St John Ambulance staff treat a cut to her knee

The shoes come off as one woman is seen leaving the racecourse, heels in hand

It was a desolate scene at Aintree after Ladies' Day merriment had come to an end

But earlier in the day chic in monochrome, a rainbow of bright colour and in pastel blooms set the style for Ladies Day - the highlight of the Grand National Festival for the nation's fashion fans - as they went for glory in the sartorial stakes.

But although many looked lovely, some, among them, the stars of the upcoming series of Channel 4 reality show, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, were left to bring up the rear courtesy of some inelegant choices.

Proving their love for bling isn't limited to wedding wear, the girls sported outlandish creations by Liverpudlian designer Thelma Madine but seemed to be enjoying their day - despite the odd strange look from other racing fans.

While the Channel 4 stars took the prize for most bizarre outfit, others let the side down in the sobriety stakes and looked a little on the squiffy side as they tottered through the enclosure in their platform heels, while during the 2.30pm race, a fight broke out between drunken racegoers.


The day's fun became too much for one drunken reveller who is pictured lying on the ground as the races drew to a close

Big dresses aren't just for weddings! Some of the stars of Channel 4's My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding show off their race day finery at Aintree


Bling is in! The stars of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding clearly enjoy going all out on days out as well as at their weddings, as these photos reveal

Ooops! A racing aficionado takes a tumble after indulging in a few too many beers. Luckily, her concerned friends seem determined to help out



Stay classy! While some women ended up having problems with their shoes, others decided to flash the flesh in other ways with one mooning at photographers


Lots of fun: Some racing aficionados appeared a bit squiffy and a little unsteady on their feet but still appeared to be enjoying their day out

Bad result? A racing fan screws up her face in frustration as her horse fails to make the grade

What happened! This lady's friends appear to have played a mean joke on her

Not so good! A woman grimaces after possibly losing a bet or drinking too much WKD

Aftermath: A few racegoers looked a little worse for wear by the end of the day and some, among them this woman, ended up looking a bit unsteady


Unsteady: This racegoer had to remove her heels, while another wobbled in her skyhigh platform shoes as she made her way out of Aintree at the end of the day's racing

Isn't that a bit uncomfortable? A pair of racegoers take the weight off their feet and flop out on the concrete floor at Aintree

Hurrah! A racing fan cheers as her horse gallops to victory in the last race of the day, while her friends smile supportively

Oh dear: This pair of racing fans were in need of medical attention after a long day on her feet watching the racing on Ladies Day at Aintree



Not feeling so good: A girl gets a lift from her boyfriend (left) while another buries her head in the lap of a male racegoer (right) at the end of a long day at Aintree

The rest, perhaps with the prospect of the top prize, a £10,000 Caribbean trip, in mind, concentrated on taking the big fashion prize - turning Aintree into a sea of brightly coloured maxi-dresses and gorgeously embellished frocks, many of which were topped with chic fascinators.

The ladies were joined by Aintree stalwart Danielle O'Hara, who was elegant in a chic coral frock and nude patent heels. But not even her glamorous get-up could eclipse the stylish ensembles worn by other racegoers, with bold blooms and bright colour proving popular.

Highlights included a pink trouser suit that one stylish racing aficionado teamed with chic flat pumps, a textured cream dress enlivened with a colourful bloom-embellished clutch and a structured coral dress toned down with black accessories.

Others plumped for ensembles that were a riot of print and colour, both of which are Aintree staples, with the majority of ladies opting for a glamorous take on summer's floral and pastel trends.

As always, female racegoers cranked up the glamour with fake tan, voluminous waves and elegantly manicured talons proving especially popular with local style-setters.

Later, Liverpool's favourite style icon Coleen Rooney is expected to put in an appearance with bookmakers Coral offering odds on the colour of her frock with purple currently the favourite with odds of 4/1 and the colours of Manchester United bringing up the rear on 100/1.

The heels are off! The My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding stars swap their skyscraper heels for comfortable flip flops as they make their way out

Messy: Racegoers have clearly been indulging in a drink or five, as this young man demonstrates at the end of a long day of racing at Aintree

Flashing the flesh: This racegoer (left) has chosen a beautiful crimson colour but is flashing a little too much cleavage, as is this lady in a cream dress

Ouch! This lady's shoes clearly proved a little too painful to wear, leaving her barefoot at Aintree

Bright stuff! A racing aficionado combines her lime green dress with crimson hair

Wobbly: High heels and wet grass don't mix as this girl discovered on a day out at Aintree

High jinks: A pair of racegoers seem a little the worse for wear after a few glasses of wine as they enjoy their day out on Ladies Day at Aintree

And they're off! A pair of scantily clad racegoers flash a little too much cleavage as they cheer on their chosen horses to victory at Aintree

Enjoying themselves: A flock of colourfully dressed racing aficionados give the photographers a thumbs up as they stumble past the stands at Aintree

Racing fun: A pair of racing fans giggle as they inspect a photo while walking past the stands

Glamorous: A pair of racegoers show off their spangled outfits and skyscraper heels

Having fun: A lady in an eye-catching purple ensemble giggles as she enjoys the sunshine

That's not very ladylike! A pair of tipsy racegoers take inspiration from Miley Cyrus after having a few too many drinks during Ladies Day at Aintree

Bloomin' marvellous: A racegoer shows off her poppy print dress and cream fascinator, while another plumps for an ethereal ensemble complete with a parasol

In bloom: A racegoer opts for a stunning floral ensemble topped with an eye-catching hat

Matching: Everything in this lady's ensemble, from hat to shoes, is designed to co-ordinate

Short and sweet: A lady arriving at the races combines a white playsuit with bright accessories

Dressed to thrill: Colourful ensembles are an Aintree staple and this year's event proved no exception with racegoers opting for outfits in a rainbow of hues

Ladies Day: Queen Anne introduced the concept of Ladies Day in 1711 and, as these racegoers demonstrate, it remains hugely popular more than 300 years later

Having fun: Two racing aficionados, both of whom opted for co-ordinating cerise ensembles, relax as they enjoy the sunshine on Ladies Day at Aintree

FALLING AT THE FIRST HURDLE! BOOKIES HOPE TO CASH IN ON FASHION FAUX PAS

While there's no shortage of glamorous girls at Aintree, not everyone makes the grade.

Now bookmakers Coral are hoping to cash in on fashion blunders and are offering odds on everything from accidental breast exposure (2/1) to getting stiletto heels stuck in the grass (1/5).

Ladbrokes are also hoping to take home a trophy in the fashion stakes and are allowing punters to bet on the colour of local style icon Coleen Rooney's frock.

Purple is the favourite at 4/1 while Manchester United colours bring up the rear at 100/1.

Although Mrs Rooney has taken part in the best dressed racegoer competition in years gone by, this year, the winner of this year's best dressed racegoer prize will be chosen by style spotters from local boutique Liverpool ONE, who will be donating gift cards worth £250 to Aintree's most fashionable filly every month for a year.

'All eyes will be on Aintree in April,' said Donna Howitt, marketing and business performance manager at Liverpool ONE.

'There’s no greater event that profiles Liverpool as one of the most stylish cities in the world.

She added: 'We are delighted to partner with The Crabbie’s Grand National Festival, which is a fantastic experience for racegoers and fashionistas alike.'

Ladies Day at Aintree is one of the biggest events on the fashion calendar and pulls in vast crowds of up to 40,000 people every year. 

Unusually, however, tickets for the day were still available as racegoers arrived this morning - an anomaly put down to the cost of prepping for the event by race organisers.

Others, however, have put the drop in sales down to the increasingly risqué frocks on show, with etiquette consultant William Hanson telling the Telegraph that organisers risked 'putting off' potential racegoers because of the 'lax' dress code.

Despite Mr Hanson's warnings, fears that racegoers might fail to turn out on Ladies Day proved unfounded with guests dressed in their best thronging the Grandstand.

Although nearly all eyes were on the fashion, some did manage to watch some of the racing action; kicking off with the Aintree Top Novices Hurdle, which comes with a £60,0000 prize.

Other highlights include the Melling Chase, which has a top prize of a whopping £200,000, the Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle and the last race of the day, the Aintree Mares Only Standard Open NH Flat Race.

Oh no! A racegoer shows off more than she bargained for thanks to an errant gust of wind

Yee hah! A lady clad in an emerald green dress puts her jockeying skills to the test

Ooops! One racegoer's skirt proved a tiny bit too short when she took to the dance floor

Fight! A female racegoer gets involved after a fight broke out during the 2.30pm race when a male racegoer got a little too friendly with another woman

Looking good: Two friends show off their pretty ensembles as they arrive at Aintree

Weather warning: The wind gets the better of this racegoer's floaty gold gown

Gorgeous! A lady looks lovely in a flowing white dress teamed with coral accessories

Unusual: While many racegoers opted for pretty icecream shades and classic summer stripes (left), others plumped for bolder choices like this lady in a lace jumpsuit

Enjoying a drink: A female racing fan swigs from a bottle of sparkling cava as she and her friends enjoy the sunshine and wait for the first race to begin

Enjoying themselves: A group of elegantly dressed racegoers pose for photographers as they make their way onto the course ahead of the day's racing action

Tucking in: A pair of racegoers stop for a snack as they make their way into the Aintree racecourse, while another pair fill up while on the move

Bright: Summer hues such as turquoise and crimson are a staple at Aintree and contribute towards the wonderfully colourful atmosphere

Cheerful: A racegoer teams her jolly pink dress with a pair of minimalist black court shoes

Classic coral: A stylish racegoer proves matchy-matchy still has legs in this cheerful ensemble

Chic: A beautifully dressed racegoer shows off her elegant pink suit and sensible silver flats

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN! THE LADIES OF AINTREE EXPLAIN WHY THEY LOVE RACE DAY SO MUCH

From raceday stalwarts to first time visitors to Aintree, visitors to the Grand National Festival are united by their love of racing and their plans to enjoy the day out. Here some of Aintree's racing fans explain why they love it so much:
Kerri, 24, Liverpool

'This is my third time here and it is a girl's day out. We started planning it in the new year and we got up at 5am. We've been on the booze since 8am and plan to get smashed.'

Leanne, 19, Manchester
'This is my first time here and I am so excited. I could hardly sleep last night. I have never had a bet before and might do later if I see some colours that I like, but I am more into the fashion.'

Rosie, 19, Newmarket
'This is my third year here and for me, the racing is the highlight. The fashion is very important and elegance is key. I prepare months in advance but don't go down the self-tanning route - pale is beautiful. I don't want to look like an orange. I wish I had worn a coat though as it is freezing.'

Emma, 27, Chester
'I have been up since 6am getting ready and have had four spray tans this week. We had our first drink at 8am and are hoping to get lucky - with the fellas and the horses.'

Sindi, 25, Toxteth
'This is my second year here. I couldn't come last year as I was in Magaluf on a hen do but that was less fun than when I came here two years ago. This is my first day off since New Year's Day as I run my own cake making business and I have borrowed this outfit from my mum. She is with me today but I hate her coming as all the lads crack on to her. My stepdad won't talk to us when Aintree racing is on as he says we're a disgrace but we are both as bad as each other.'

Emma, 44, Windsor
'I have been coming here for at least 15 years and while I adore the first-class racing, I also love the sights and sounds of the Liverpool people. This is a racing and fashion extravaganza and I think everyone likes to make a special effort on Ladies' Day, but being a southern softie I dress for the weather.'

Amy, 21, Anfield
'We were up at 6am to start getting ready and had a champagne breakfast at 8am. We had a spray tan yesterday and my dress is from Topshop. I love the dressing up and the glamour. I don't know how to bet but my stepdad said to back Tony McCoy as he is an OK rider.'

With thanks to the Aintree Racecourse newsletter

Pretty: While platforms remain de rigeur at Aintree, not everyone is wedded to sky-high heels - as this group of smartly dressed racegoers prove

Lady in red: A racing aficionado shows off her impressively large crimson headpiece, which was clearly chosen to match her scarlet coat and lipstick

Looking good: Fashion blogger Prince Cassius (centre) and two glamorous friends make their way into the Aintree racecourse for a day out at the races

Spectacular: A pair of racegoers go all out to win the £10,000 Dominican Republic holiday via a pair of incredibly elaborate architectural fascinators

Looking lovely: A group of smartly dressed racing fans demonstrate how to do racecourse chic Aintree style on Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival

In bloom: A racing aficionado shows off her black and pink skater dress and matching hat

Pretty: A racegoer demonstrates how fashion at the races should be done in an elegant outfit

Mono-mania: A stylish racegoer opts for a black and white ensemble and a pink clutch

Colourful: A cheerfully dressed group of racegoers show off their take on summer dressing as they arrive at a rainy Aintree for Ladies Day

Dressed to the nines: A racegoer arrives in a bold dress embellished with pretty silk rosebuds while another keeps it simple in a coral frock and straw hat

Now that's what you call a hat! A racegoer in a vast fascinator and fur lined boots

Sparkling style: A racegoer opts for a floor-length glittering gown and a cosy fur wrap

Flower power: A racegoer arrives in a black and white skater dress teamed with red accessories

Hats you win: A pair of ladies with their eyes on the £10,000 Dominican Republic holiday prize show off their feathered and ribboned headgear as they arrive

Looking fabulous: A lady clutching a pint of beer shows off her elegant turquoise fascinator, while another seems to have been inspired by the racing action

Place your bets! A trio of racegoers show off their elegant frocks and fascinators while checking the form as they prepare to place their bets on Ladies Day

INSPIRED BY THE AINTREE SET?  FASHION EXPERT REVEALS HOW TO STEAL COLEEN ROONEY'S RACE DAY LOOK

She's the undisputed queen of Liverpool's style set and now fashion expert and blogger Phoebe Dixon has revealed how local girl Coleen Rooney gets it right year after year at Aintree.

Top tips include choosing practical footwear, ideally without a tapered heel, and practising your 'toe walk' beforehand. Dixon also suggests coming armed with a bit of racing trivia so even if you're not keen on the horses, you'll stand out from the rest when talking all things equine with the professionals.

But what everyone really wants to know is how to choose the perfect hat, and on that, Dixon has this advice: 'Hats and headdresses are big part of Ladies Day, but picking the right style is crucial,' she explains.

'Too big and it will obstruct views and get in the way but going too small may look like the wrong side of effortless and pale in comparison to the rest of your outfit.'

Femail Fashion Finder deputy editor and style expert, Lisa Potter, adds: 'A statement hat is a dramatic way to elevate your look. For a streamlined finish, co-ordinate your hat with the rest of your outfit and remember to choose one that you feel comfortable in.'

Dixon, who has created a fashion guide for gambling site, bookmakers.co.uk, also suggests pacing yourself when it comes to indulging in a drink or two in order to avoid embarrassing scenes later on. 

Other tips include avoiding long white dresses, particularly at spring events where rain and mud have to be factored in, and plumping for a subtly sexy look with knee-length hemlines topped with a cosy jacket or shawl.

Stalwart: Danielle O'Hara is a regular at Aintree and looked lovely in her coral pink dress

Cosy: A racegoer plumps for a cosy knee-length fur wrap teamed with a bright red hat

Looking good: A racegoer's blond Rapunzel-like locks are set off to perfection by her lilac outfit

Stunning: A lady shows off her incredible feathered fascinator, while another shows off a spectacular gingham, lime, yellow and black creation

Stunning: A group of beautifully dressed racegoers show off their hats, including one incredible botanical creation festooned with lifelike silk flowers

Enjoying the day: A pair of smiling racegoers arrive for a day out at Aintree

Dressed to impress: Racegoers show off their elaborate updos and lavishly embroidered frocks

Dramatic: A racegoer shows off her slashed floor-length frock and gunmetal fascinator

Fierce competition: With a £10,000 luxury holiday in the Dominican Republic at stake, racegoers upped the ante on the fashion front

Dressed to thrill: A group of cheerfully dressed racegoers show off their collection of fabulous frocks and light-hearted comedy sunglasses

Looking good: Racegoers beam as they arrive for a day of racing at the Aintree racecourse in Liverpool. Today's highlight is the Melling Chase

MEET THE FILLIES IN FLASHY FROCKS AND FAKE TAN: STYLE SECRETS OF THE AINTREE CROWD REVEALED

While Cheltenham is famous for pearls and fur, and Royal Ascot for its hats, Aintree has become synonymous with fashionable girls out to have fun in the highest heels they can find.

Eschewing cosy coats and tights in favour of goose-pimpled bare legs and delicate frocks, Aintree girls are almost as famous for their ability to withstand the cold as they are for their colouful approach to style.
 
As with the Cheltenham Festival, organisers refuse to impose a dress code on guests and, beyond exhortations to dress smartly and avoid anything that might offend, say anything goes.

But perhaps a warning isn't required: Liverpudlians are famous for their glamorous approach to getting dressed and love nothing more than the chance to strut their stuff in the most eye-catching outfits they can find.

And more is definitely more when it comes to make-up and grooming too, with glossy long locks, honey-toned skin and lashings of lipgloss among the most popular beauty choices.

Male racegoers aren't immune from the pull of equestrian glamour either, with the majority plumping for dapper suits or a blazer, although some decide to up the ante with a spot of fancy dress.

Despite the presence of the infamous Becher's Brook on the course, the colourfully dressed Aintree crowd are enough to ensure that as many people watch the Grand National for the fashion as they do for the race itself.

On their way: A group of racegoers pick their way across the course to the stands ahead of the racing action, which today includes the Melling Chase, at Aintree

Pretty: A racegoer cuts a striking figure as she wafts across the racecourse in a full-length peach dress ahead of the first race on Ladies Day at Aintree

Getting into the Aintree spirit: A pair of policemen chat to a pair of glamorously dressed racing aficionados as they wander around near the racecourse

Sky-high: A group of racing fans show off their skyscraper heels as they arrive, armed with a bottle of cava, for a day at the races on Ladies Day

The Superman technique! Jockey Tom Cannon takes a tumble but manages to miss the hooves of his mount King Edmund during the Community Topham Steeple Chase

Riding to victory: Bay gelding Holywell ridden by Tony McCoy, surges over a fence to triumph in the Betfred Mobile Mildmay Novices Steeple Chase on Ladies Day

Hurrah! A racegoer waves her ticket in triumph as her horse thunders to victory in the Top Novices Hurdle on Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival

And they're off! Runners thunder down the track in the Top Novices Hurdle which was won by Josses Hill (right); a gelding ridden by Barry Geraghty

Packed: An aerial view of the crowded stands at Aintree taken as the throng of racegoers cheer on their runners in the Top Novices Hurdle