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The opening day of The Coral Scottish Grand National, known as Ladies Day, faced a deluge as rain-soaked attendees navigated the racecourse with wind-tossed umbrellas in tow.
Umbrellas became the must-have item as the skies opened up over Ayr racecourse in Ayrshire, Scotland, transforming the accessory into a day-long companion.
Despite the downpour, the lively atmosphere remained intact, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on their chosen horses, sipping cocktails, and donning their finest attire.
Many attendees braved the elements, sporting bare legs, high-heeled sandals, and thigh-length outfits, all while attempting to protect their intricate headpieces from the rain.
However, the gusty conditions proved challenging for some, as they struggled to manage their umbrellas, with a few even losing their hats to the wind.
The annual event is one of the highlights of the Scottish racing calendar, but it’s not all about the action on the track.
Glamorous attendees dressed in plunging frocks and figure-hugging ensembles are hoping to catch the eye of the judges who will be awarding prizes for the best dressed.Â
Unlike Royal Ascot which adopts stricter rules on what to wear, the festival takes a more relaxed approach and tells attendees to ‘dress to impress with smart dress encouraged’ if they’re using the hospitality facilities.
Glamorous racegoers at The Coral Scottish Grand National in Ayrshire, Scotland, were hit with rainy weather
The windy weather today proved to be too much for some racegoers who struggled to control their brollies
For those in the Grandstand there’s no formal dress code.
Early arrivals at the racecourse set the bar high, putting on a vibrant display in colourful fascinators and floral prints.Â
Commanding attention in their racy numbers, revellers went all out in figure-hugging dresses, sheer attire and lacy looks as they flashed the flesh for their big day out.
Red appeared to be a theme of the day, as glamorous spectators showcased scarlett strappy frocks and halterneck dresses.
The two-day event will culminate in the Coral Scottish Grand National tomorrow afternoon, where Kim Roque leads the 21-runner field.
The six-year-old is favourite with the sponsors for the four-mile contest at Ayr and is looking to get his nose in front for the first time this campaign.
Danny Mullins will be hoping to make it another family affair aboard Blaze The Way for his mother Margaret Mullins, who bypassed Aintree for the Scottish equivalent.
The jockey partnered Macdermott to victory in this race two years ago for uncle Willie, who went on to become British champion trainer that season.
No raining on their parade! Glamorous racegoers refused to let the rain dampen their spirits
A group of woman smile for the cameras as they arrive for the first day of the The Coral Scottish Grand National Ladies Day
Here come the girls! Glamorous racegoers don bright frocks to kick off Ladies Day in style
‘He’s in good order, he jumped over Willie’s fences and I’m delighted with him,’ Margaret Mullins said.
‘We are happy. I wouldn’t be staying at home, I’m happy to be going. He’s a nice horse. He ran well at Cheltenham and in the Naas meeting as well, he got bumped into quite a lot, but I was happy.
‘We will give it a go, whether we are good enough we will see.’
King Of Answers is another prominent in the market after his impressive runner-up finish at Prestbury Park in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase.
‘He stepped up from what he had done at Cheltenham,’ said Michael Scudamore, who trains in partnership with Lucinda Russell.
‘The slightly softer ground that looks likely on Saturday should also play to his strengths, he’s got a lot of weight to carry but he’s got that weight because he deserves it.
‘He’s had a nice freshen up since Cheltenham and he’s very well. He’s just improved and improved as the season has gone on, which is nice, and hopefully he can take another step forward on Saturday.’
Mark Walford’s Chasingouttheblues is aiming for a hat-trick during a brilliant series of results since the start of 2026.
‘He’s in great form. It’s nice to have a go for another decent pot with him,’ the North Yorkshire trainer said.
‘At the start of the season he probably wasn’t quite right – wasn’t in the best of form – but has really flourished this year and he just keeps going forward really.’
Kim Muir winner Ask Brewster goes for Catherine Williams as does second in that race Road To Home, who is Willie Mullins’ sole runner. Paul Nicholls’ Quebecois is another notable contender.
Joseph O’Brien has faith in Kim Roque’s stamina as he leads the 21-runner field for the Coral Scottish Grand National on Saturday.