The makers of the nasal strips some athletes wear in the hope of improving their breathing are bragging about what they call "the sweet smell of success" after victories in two big races last week.

Adriana Fernandez of Mexico won the "highly congested" women's New York City Marathon last Sunday while wearing a Breathe Right nasal strip, designers CNS pointed out. The marathon win came just a day after 19-1 longshot Cat Thief captured the Breeder's Cup Classic wearing the new equine version.

CNS were also happy to declare that jockey Pat Day was wearing a nasal strip when he rode Cat Thief to victory in the showcase race at Gulfstream Park in Florida.