Unrecognisable days at the Grand National from years gone by
The event boasts a long history
Days at the Grand National in years gone by look unrecognisable from the event we know today in recently unearthed images.
The first Grand National was run in 1839 – and for decades, thousands from across Merseyside and beyond have headed to Aintree racecourse for the three day festival.
In recent years, we've seen guests dressed to the nines in the hopes of winning the Style Award on Ladies Day and top prizes being won throughout the event. But decades ago, the Grand National looked very different.
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- Aintree Ladies Day Style Award winners of the last decade
- Family dynasty at the heart of Liverpool's 'Italian Quarter'
From fashion to cheerful picnic parties, these fascinating images offer a glimpse into life at Grand National events back in the 1950s.
Still in living memory for one generation, racegoers may remember Aintree as it looked here – but for others, the Grand National of seven decades ago is arguably unrecognisable to what we know today.
For beautiful, historic images from the past have a look at memorylane.co.uk/ and see what you can discover
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The Grand National, Aintree Racecourse. The finish of the 1953 Grand National. Early Mist ridden by Bryan Marshall is pictured crossing the winning post, whilst the photographer is on the racecourse capturing the moment. The huge crowd enjoy the moment. March 28, 1953
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The Grand National, Aintree Racecourse. Some of the crowds that braved the cold winds on Jump Sunday. March 30, 1952
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The Grand National. Aintree Racerouse. Cheerful picnic parties during the 1958 Grand National, despite the windy weather on the day. March 29, 1958
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The Grand National, Aintree. At the chair, and all is well for Surprise Packet (number 22) seen in the lead whilst Tibretta successfully ploughs his way through the fence. Surprise Packet was a non finisher, but Tibretta finished 4th in the race. March 21, 1959
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The Grand National, Aintree Racecourse. Mr What passes the winning post to win the 1958 Grand National. March 29, 1958
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Horses are lead by their trainers towards the start of the 1955 Grand National. March 26, 1955
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Jousters are seen as part of events on the 1957 Jump Sunday at Aintree. March 24, 1957
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The Grand National, Aintree. Cavalcade at the first fence, where so many horses came to grief last year. Early Mist takes an early lead. The eventual winner was Teal, ridden by Republic of Ireland jockey Arthur P. Thompson. April 5, 1952
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The Grand National, Aintree Racecourse. Never Say When, ridden by Stan Mellor, in the lead the water jump. (first time round). However Never Say When didn't finish the race. March 29, 1958
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The Grand National, Aintree Racecourse. Picture shows the race winner, 18/1 shot Mr. What, ridden by jockey Arthur Freeman. March 29, 1958
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The crowds in the rain, sheltering under their umbrellas during the 1955 Grand National. March 26, 1955
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The Grand National. Picture shows the field after taking the first jump. Virginius ridden by Alan Lillingston, falls on the left of the picture. March 29, 1957
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