Tens of thousands of people have attended Ladies' Day at the Grand National at Aintree, with the prize of a £10,000 holiday in the Caribbean for the best dressed race-goer. One eye-catching hat was even made from Mini Cheddars.
A 103-year-old, believed to be Britain's oldest punter, is hoping for a change of luck in what he fears could be his final flutter.
George Atkinson said he is hoping to finally have a successful bet on the world-famous race, so he can "die a happy man" - after betting on the race for more than seven decades without success.
Mr Atkinson has placed bets religiously on the Grand National each year since the 1940s. But he has never managed to back a winner, and fears the 2014 race is his last chance.
After such a long run of betting, he has decided to pin his hopes on 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run
He had placed his first ever bet aged just 12, when his bookmaker grandfather took him to the Epsom Derby.
He said: "I can't remember the name as it lost - in fact they all lose. I've never even had a place.
"I was once told to back Oxo in 1959 but I didn't place a bet on it - it won and I've regretted it for 55 years."
William Hill has given him a £103 bet - £51.50 each way - as he tries to fulfil his dream of a Grand National win.
He has decided to put it on Long Run - whose odds of winning are currently at 14/1 - and said: "It has been a long run without a winner and it feels like my time."
Fans of a particular take on fashion were out in force today to make Ladies' Day at the Grand National meeting as eyecatching as ever.
Gloucester rugby stars Mike Tindall and James Simpson-Daniel, are hoping their horse Monbeg Dude wins the Grand National this weekend.