GRAND National winner Monty's Pass may have been given the edge by a retired Worcestershire trainer.
Michael Oliver, who trained the 1986 Grand National winner West Tip, gave Monty's Pass lucky matching brow and nose bands that attach to the bridal.
Since he had his first winner in 1970 Mr Oliver, from Alfrick in Worcestershire, has collected more than 40 of the special brow and nose bands made by saddlers Rice Brothers from Sussex.
"They are special hand-made woven plastic in the owners' colours," said Mr Oliver, aged 53.
Mr Oliver had given several bands to his friends Jimmy and Mary Mangan, trainers of Monty's Pass during last year's Cheltenham Festival.
"When they visited Alfrick last I gave them the bands for good luck," said Mr Oliver.
When West Tip won The Grand National he was wearing pale blue, black and white coloured bands.
When Monty's Pass crossed the finishing line on Saturday he was wearing the same unique make of band in green, yellow and blue.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article