Aintree spectacular starts

Images from the opening day of the 2002 Grand National meeting at Aintree.

A minute's silence was held before the first race, The Martell Handicap Hurdle, in honour of the Queen Mother

A black wreath hangs from the Queen Mother stand at Aintree, flags were also hanging at half mast

Florida Pearl, ridden by Barry Geraghty, easily clears a jump on its way to winning the Martell Cup Steeplechase

Barry Geraghty, on Florida Pearl, is clear of the field as they romp home in the Martell Cup Steeplechase

Runners take the first flight during The Martell Handicap Hurdle Race, won by John Kavanagh on Sudden Shock