At the heart of the electric atmosphere at Grand National, Wayne Rooney and Coleen Rooney shared an unexpectedly tender moment — locking eyes and staying close amid the roaring crowd as history unfolded before them.
The couple, both 40, looked completely at ease as they stood arm in arm in the grandstand at Aintree Racecourse, soaking up the atmosphere while watching I Am Maximus storm to victory — becoming a rare two-time champion after first triumphing in 2024.
Coleen turned heads in a figure-hugging cream floor-length dress with ruched detailing at the waist, pairing the elegant look with gold heels, a matching clutch and statement earrings. She appeared radiant and relaxed, sipping a mimosa and chatting animatedly with Wayne as the action unfolded.
Wayne, meanwhile, kept things classic in a tailored suit, pale blue shirt and tie, finishing the look with sunglasses as he casually enjoyed a beer while discussing the race with his wife.
But while the Rooneys brought their signature glamour, it was I Am Maximus who delivered the day’s biggest shock. The horse etched its name into racing history as only the eighth to ever win the Grand National twice — sending punters into a frenzy.
One lucky bettor reportedly placed a staggering £100,000 wager at 8-1 odds, walking away with an eye-watering £900,000 payout — a moment that added even more drama to an already unforgettable day.
More than 150,000 spectators packed into Aintree across the three-day festival, all building up to the iconic steeplechase. And while the event began under sunny skies, conditions quickly turned, with heavy rain and even hailstones forcing racegoers to scramble for cover.
Despite the sudden downpour, the crowd refused to let the weather dampen the mood. Dressed in everything from bold figure-hugging outfits to oversized hats and sunglasses, attendees clutched handbags over their heads and wrestled with ponchos, determined to enjoy one of the biggest dates in the British racing calendar.
Unlike the strict dress codes of Royal Ascot, Aintree embraces individuality — encouraging guests to simply arrive dressed to feel their best. And this year, that spirit was on full display, even as wind and rain swept across the course.
The outing capped off a whirlwind week for Coleen, who had just celebrated her 40th birthday with a lavish party at the couple’s £20million Cheshire mansion — a star-studded event reportedly filmed as part of her upcoming Disney+ series.
She later jetted off on a family ski trip with Wayne and their younger sons, continuing the celebrations in the mountains — though fans will have to wait for the show to see the full story behind the scenes.
But for now, it was that quiet, affectionate moment in the stands — two people lost in the excitement of the race — that lingered long after the final result.
