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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
David Raven

Grand National 2023: Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo leads best dressed celebs at Aintree

Celebrities in their best outfits are soaking up the sunshine this afternoon ahead of the world famous Aintree Grand National race.

Hollywood actor Dominic West, who plays Prince Charles in The Crown, was seen sporting a casual charcoal grey suit paired with an open sky blue shirt with no tie.

Georgia Toffolo was seen entering the course in a long cream coat which hid her traditional polka dot blue frock she wore with a small black fascinator.

Former Manchester United player and football manager Steve Bruce was pictured in a blue suit alongside his wife Janet in a matching dress.

While the charismatic Rocky Horror star Christopher Biggins was all smiles as he wore an open pink suit with magenta shades which he had accessorised with a brown scarf.

Toff entering the racecourse in the sunshine (Liverpool Echo)
Georgia Toffolo posted images on Instagram (INSTAGRAM)

Liverpool FC and Wales footy legend Ian Rush, 61, was pictured in a pin stripe suit as his 39-year-old wife Carol Anthony wore a trendy lime green dress she paired with a grey fascinator.

And former Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter posed for the cameras in a ruffled baby pink dress.

Earlier today a woman was arrested in connection with a potential coordinated disruption at Aintree Racecourse as animal rights activists gathered outside the track before the Grand National Festival's final day.

Former Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter arriving at Aintree (Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)
She posed for pictures in a ruffled baby pink dress (Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)

A 33-year-old woman from the London area was arrested in the Greater Manchester area on Saturday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance, Merseyside Police said.

She was set to be questioned.

The force said: "Merseyside Police has been working with The Jockey Club and other partners to keep people safe during the Grand National Festival.

The cheery Christopher Biggins (Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)
The Crown actor Dominic West (Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)

"We are aware of some people planning to protest at the event. This has been factored into our plans. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."

It comes after climate and animal rights group Animal Rising announced plans to scale fences and enter the track - with up to 300 activists - to prevent the race from starting.

Celebrities such as football manager Steve Bruce watch on from the stands (AFP via Getty Images)
Steve Bruce with his eyes on the race (Paul Greenwood/REX/Shutterstock)

Activists also said they would block traffic by performing a slow march along Ormskirk Road, the main access route.

About 30 animal rights protesters gathered outside Aintree Racecourse on Saturday morning.

The annual Grand National race is set to start at 5.15pm.

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans (Sunday Mirror)
Hollywood actor Dominic West, who plays Prince Charles in The Crown, (Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)

Dora Hargitai, 37, a volunteer with Animal Rising, said: "I do believe we can have non-violence on both sides.
"The race has to stop. Today and forever."

One horse has died at the Grand National Festival - Envoye Special, ridden by James King - after it fell in the Foxhunters' Chase just after 4pm on Thursday.

It is the 60th horse to die at Aintree in the past 23 years.

Steve Bruce and his wife at Aintree (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
The pair were matching in blue (Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)

An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson said: "We respect the right to peaceful protest but sincerely hope that Animal Rising reflects on whether their proposed actions are legitimate and responsible.

"Their actions could endanger the horses they purport to protect, as well as jockeys, officials and themselves.

(Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)

"As you would expect, we are working closely with Merseyside Police to ensure we protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including all participants, human or equine, at the Grand National."

A British Horseracing Authority spokesperson said: "While we respect the rights of anyone to protest safely and legally, we condemn any action which is illegal, especially if it puts at risk the safety of horses, jockeys, officials or fans."

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