The Queen received the perfect tonic as she recovers from Covid-19 after her horse Kincardine won at Newbury.
The Nicky Henderson trained hurdler got his nose in front in Sunday's Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Maiden Hurdle.
Kincardine was also bred by Her Majesty, who is experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” but expects to carry out "light duties" this week, according to Buckingham Palace.
Kincardine was a bumper winner on his debut at Southwell last May and since then has finished third to Stage Star in November before pulling up at Ascot in December.
So it was third time lucky for the five-year-old, who dropped back in trip to two miles and made all the running to stride on to a four-and-a-half-length victory as the 4-6 favourite.
Henderson told Racing TV: “We were all sad to hear Her Majesty has Covid – I don't know if that's Covid medicine but I hope it is.
“It was always going to be tough and I didn't really want to come back to two miles with him. There was a pretty competitive race at Ascot yesterday over two and a half which looked nice but I thought on this ground two miles was far enough for him.
"It's hard work, but he enjoyed himself and handled the ground really well and he jumped well.
"This is only practicing for the days ahead when he should make a three-mile chaser and I hope he might be a smart one at the end of the day."
The Queen, 95, had been in contact with her eldest son and heir, the Prince of Wales, who tested positive last week.
It is understood a number of people have tested positive at Windsor Castle, where the Queen resides.
The positive test comes days before England is due to drop the need to self-isolate for those who catch Covid, as the last virus restrictions are set to be removed.
