Rider credits 40-year-old bridle – made before he was born – for helping him win grand prix

Showjumper James Smith credits a bridle bought in 1986 for helping him win the winter grand prix at Aintree International Equestrian Centre.

The 33-year-old rider had been struggling to find a bridle that suited 14-year-old stallion Tayvale Hunky Dory, but showjumper-turned-coach Alan Fazakerley stepped in to help at last weekend’s Winter Classic II show (22-25 January).

“We’ve been messing around with Hunky Dory’s bridle and Alan had a hackamore in his car that he bought...