MORE than 25,000 people got this year’s Grand National Festival off to a flying start. The crowd included a number of famous faces, with ex-Liverpool stars Steve McManaman and Jason McAteer among those enjoying the day.

Ex-Everton defender Alan Stubbs and Southport’s favourite pundit Alan Hansen were also among those soaking up the rays.

Coleen Rooney and Sheree Murphy are both expected at the course today for Ladies Day.

But, with talent scouts claiming yesterday showcased the best-dressed women they have seen at the Thursday opener, the pressure is on for would-be fashionistas today.

Friends Charlotte Oxton and Anna Roche only bought their tickets on Monday, and had to wait until Wednesday to finally find their outfits.

Hairdresser Anna, 22, wearing a yellow spring dress with ruched shoulders which she bought from Beau Cheveux boutique, in Wallasey, said: “We’ve not been before and decided to come on the Thursday because we’re both too busy to come on Ladies Day because our jobs mean we’re doing everyone else’s hair and make-up.”

Beautician Charlotte, 21, spent £200 on her black and white corset-style dress with decorative buttons from Boudoir Boutique in Southport.

Both women were delighted their dresses bought them luck as both backed the top two horses in yesterday’s opening race.

There was no sign of the credit crunch with the celebrations, too, as punters flocked to Aintree’s bars to toast their wins and drown their sorrows.

Barman Dan Worthing said: “Thursday is supposed to be a quieter day, but things really picked up once the racing started in the afternoon.

“The weather was fantastic and everyone was in a great mood. We saw some interesting outfits, which means Ladies Day is going to be even better.”

The atmosphere was similarly jovial at Lanson’s Champagne bar, where the corks were popping among the delighted punters.