Harry Skelton's rousing battle with title rival Brian Hughes in a race at Hexham brought joy to the winning horse's owner in hospital.
Charles Wilson, who owns Dazzling Glory with his wife Rachel, was thrilled to see the mare prevail narrowly in a novices' hurdle on Monday.
The six-year-old led in the final strides of the two-mile event, helping Skelton to extend his lead over Hughes in the 2020-21 jockeys' championship.
Charles, 85, who dislocated his shoulder in a fall a week ago, was delighted with Dazzling Glory's tough performance.
"I had a serious accident a week ago when I badly hurt my shoulder and have been in hospital ever since," he said.
"I watched our horse win from my bed here, Rachel sorted out a special set-up.
"Harry gave Dazzling Glory a magnificent ride and I think she proved herself to be rather special. She has the guts and the talent for the job.
"We were absolutely overwhelmed by it.
"We have helped Harry with two winners towards his total and we are cheering him on in every race."
The couple, who breed horses from Delgany Stud in Leicestershire, only came across Dazzling Glory after their hurdler Firak picked up an injury.
He won for Skelton at Chepstow in January – and the rider now has a ten win cushion over Hughes ahead of Saturday's grand finale.
Dazzling Glory will be targeted at the Welsh track's big meeting in October, which kick-starts the next National Hunt season.
"She's the sweetest horse but when she gets racing she's like a tiger," Rachel said.
"Harry thought she may have thrown her race away at the start as there was a delay and she was quite worked up.
"When it came to the finish she really wanted to win.
"Dan (Skelton, trainer) sent me a video of her the next morning and it's five or six hours each way to Hexham. She shrugged it off no problem."
The Wilsons have the dam of Randox Grand National third Any Second Now at their stables.
His half-brother 'Bob' and half-sister 'Cricket' are both unraced – and will be going into training to try and follow Dazzling Glory's success on the track.
