Thousands attend Grand National

The Merseyside course had undergone a £35m redevelopment ahead of the world-famous steeplechase.

More than 16 million adults were estimated to have had a flutter on the big race, which was attended by about 70,000 people at Aintree.

Silver Birch, ridden by Robbie Power, edged out McKelvey to win the race.

Weather forecasters said temperatures peaked at 22C on Saturday, making it one of the warmest Grand Nationals on record.

Horses were doused with cold water and extra supplies of bottled water and ice were brought to the course.

Security was tight for the three-day Aintree Festival and police had warned race-goers to get to the course early to get through the stringent security checks.

All spectators were asked to pass through airport-style metal detectors and searches were made of bags and vehicles.

Police said there were just a "handful" of arrests made in and around the course during the festival.

Best-dressed prize

One of the new attractions at the 2007 Aintree Festival featured 10 members of the public picked by a panel of experts to train as jockeys.

The chosen 10 took part in a flat race in front of spectators and what has been described as a potential worldwide television audience of 600 million, each winning £5,000 for their chosen charity.

Another non-racing feature was the final of a competition to find the most stylish race-goer at Aintree.

Wayne Rooney's fiancée Coleen McLoughlin presented the prize, a Citroen car, to the winner - who happened to be a former school friend.

Stephen Wang, 21, from West Derby, Liverpool, said: "I was at school with Coleen and Wayne so I know them both. It's amazing she is now presenting this prize to me."

Coleen, who was wearing an Alexander McQueen waistcoat and trousers, a brown Biba hat and Balenciaga shoes, said: "I know Stephen, I went to school with him but I don't have anything to do with the judging."

Asked why she was not watching her fiancé playing in Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final, she replied: "I'd rather come here."

Ladbrokes said the Aintree Festival is expected to break £250m with more than £1m staked every minute in the hour leading up to the National.

David Williams, a spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: "Even we go weak at the knees with excitement and nerves on National day. The money gambled is phenomenal."

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