‘TikTok effect’ brings sellout crowds and younger fans to Grand National meeting

Ladies’ Day at Aintree draws sellout crowd for first time since 2012 as Jockey Club’s social media strategy pays off

• Horse-by-horse guide to this year’s Grand National

The Aintree morning was still young, and the temperatures frigid enough for a thick coat, when Hayley Bentley arrived at Ladies’ Day wearing only a bridal dress and veil. “I love racing and got my future husband into it,” she explained. “So what better excuse is there to get dressed up for Ladies’ Day and spend your hen party with 23 of your favourite people?”

Everywhere you looked that sentiment was being echoed and magnified by 55,000 other racegoers, most dressed in their finest suits and silks, who were basking in the first Ladies’ Day sellout since 2012.