Aintree Festival 2011

All eyes are now turned towards Aintree as the Festival fast approaches. This year promises to be a fabulous three day event which includes something for everyone. Whether you are a trainer or jockey, worrying if your horse will perform on the day or one of the Ladies who has entered the Style contest, wondering if your outfit will impress the judges, anticipation is now high. There is already some controversy surrounding the ‘Ladies’ who might be present this year, more of which later!

Thursday 7th April. Liverpool Day – The opening day of the Festival will be graced by the well known ‘Squire of Knotty Ash’ Mr Ken Dodd. Ken who says he attended his first Aintree some seventy years ago at the tender age of thirteen remembers backing Lovely Cottage, the winner in 1946. In his opinion The Grand National is “the greatest race in the world” he also added “It’s not just a race – it’s a pageant and I am thrilled that I will be there with my tickling stick to get the entertainment underway.” There will be no shortage of Liverpool themed entertainment and the Red Devils will also make an appearance and there will be music from the Brass section of The Philharmonic. You might fancy a flutter on the Totesport Bowl Steeplechase at 3.10 or the Foxhunters Steeplechase at 3.45 which is run over the Grand National course.

Friday 8th April Ladies Day – This is the Big One for the ladies. It’s time to enter the ‘Fashion Stakes Chase’. While lots of us are normally more than happy in jeans and t shirts, joggers, or even, go on admit it pyjamas, you have to make an effort for this. It’s time to show off the new outfit, complete with some statement jewellery, the real stuff is great if you can run to it but there is some fabulous costume jewellery available to. Bring on the Jimmy Choo’s, Louboutin’s and dont forget your designer handbags, it’s almost as exciting as the horse racing!

As we’re talking fashion, back to the controversy mentioned earlier which involves Coleen Rooney who presented the fashion prizes last year. This year she will be a V.I.P. guest and it has been reported in the press that two of Wayne’s dubious lady friends will also be present. They are said to have entered the Matalan Style Contest splashing