12 April 2012 Last updated at 17:24

In pictures: Grand National meeting's Liverpool Day

One of horse racing's most famous occasions, the Grand National meeting at Aintree, has opened with Liverpool Day, a celebration of the city that is home to the racecourse.

The day saw many celebrations of the city, including the unveiling of a Liverpool Day hat, designed by fashion student Rachael Calder, who said it was "inspired by Liverpool's metropolitan cathedral and was created using a variety of unusual materials".

As ever, the day brought the great and the good of Liverpool to the course, with Scouse celebrities including hairdresser Herbert Howe rubbing shoulders with the rest of the racegoers.

Coleen and Wayne Rooney with friends at Aintree

Coleen and Wayne Rooney were also at the races, sharing a box with friends, family and several of the Manchester United striker's team-mates.

Riders in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree

The city connection was also celebrated on the racecourse, where the Liverpool Hurdle opened the meeting's racing. The race was won by favourite Big Buck's.

Liverpool Day has opened the meeting since 2010 and sees the city celebrated across the course, with local bands and comedians entertaining the crowds between races.

Alongside the stage acts, dancers and cabaret acts were on display, performing around the famous racecourse.

Donald and Beryl McCain alongside a bust of Ginger McCain

It was the first Grand National meeting since legendary trainer Ginger McCain's death in September, and a bronze statue of him was unveiled in his honour by his son Donald and his wife Beryl.

A racegoer amongst the crowd at Aintree on Liverpool Day

The Grand National meeting continues at the Aintree racecourse with Ladies' Day on Friday and the running of the Grand National on Saturday.

Liverpool

In pictures: Grand National meeting's Liverpool Day

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