Helen Flanagan receives backlash from her ‘disappointed’ fans after attending ‘cruel’ Aintree Races

Helen Flanagan has received social media backlash from her fans after attending Ladies Day at Aintree Racecourse.

The former Coronation Street actress, 32, took to Instagram to show off the gorgeous Karen Millen dress that she wore at the Grand National event.

The mother-of-three posted a short reel of her posing in the £269 red tailored pleated midi dress, which is now almost sold out online.

Despite the post having over 21,300 likes, fans were quick to judge Helen’s decisions, stating that they were “disappointed” in her support of the “cruel sport”.

One Instagram user wrote: “I absolutely adore you, but I’m really disappointed in this supporting horse racing 😫”.

Another added: “I’ve been supporting you for so long but nah, this sport is the epitome of cruelty for horses. As an ex animal welfare lawyer it actually disgusts me. So I’m out, all the best.”

Whilst a third commented: “You Bet, They Die. Disappointed you support cruel horse racing, you should be setting an example by not supporting animal abuse. 🐎”

A fourth fan wrote: “Shame on you for supporting a cruel sport. 3 beautiful horses died”

Not all comments were negative though, with many fans and celebrities alike calling the mum-of-three “beautiful” and “amazing”.

One fan wrote: “Princess Diana vibes 😍 you look sensational @hjgflanagan 💕💕💕”.

TOWIE star Amber Dowding commented: “Wow!! Helen you look amazing. You would have won best dressed for me! 🔥”.

Whilst Love Island star Laura Anderson simply added: “Gorgeous”.

Prior to Ladies Day, Helen tried on three stunning Karen Millen dresses and asked her fans to help her choose.

Opting for the red dress, she told fans: “Wow, so I am obsessed with this. I literally feel amazing in this. I love how it’s like a combination of like a blazer and a pleated skirt. I love how unique it is. I do, I feel really good in this, and again, it’s one shoulder. This is for me. I am obsessed.”