GRAND National-winning owner Norman Mason has handed over his trophy from his Aintree success to his home city.
The self-made millionaire, born and brought up on Wearside, and his gelding Red Marauder were feted by the people of Sunderland at a civic parade in their honour on Tuesday.
Mr Mason, who owns and trains Red Marauder at his 370-acre Brancepeth Manor Farm in County Durham, has enjoyed a fortnight of attention in the media spotlight since the epic victory of the 11-year-old chestnut, ridden by Richard Guest, earlier this month.
Glowing with pride after the parade through the streets of Sunderland, the guest of the Mayor, Councillor Brian Dodds, Mr Mason said he felt he had to give something back to the city in return.
In an impromptu gesture at a post-parade civic reception, Mr Mason presented the gold and silver Winning Owners' Trophy from the Grand National to councillor Dodds, as a gift to the city.
"I'm delighted that the city honoured Red Marauder with a victory parade," said Mr Mason.
"My pride in the city is no secret and this is my opportunity to give something back to the people of Sunderland, something that will be remembered forever."
The specially-engraved trophy will go on display in Sunderland Museum when it reopens in summer, after a refurbishment.
They will go on display alongside the Martell Grand National Trophy and Richard Guest's red and blue silks worn for the race.
Councillor Dodds, who won £1,360 for good causes in a charity bet on Red Marauder, said: "I'm overwhelmed and privileged to accept such a generous gift on behalf of the city.
"Winning this trophy is a tremendous achievement for Mr Mason and we are honoured at his decision to dedicate this to the people of Sunderland."
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