'It gives her so much pleasure' - a royal winner for the Queen in Jubilee week

Tuesday: Newbury

The Queen was given a boost as her Platinum Jubilee week celebrations ramped up when Perfect Alibi toughed it out to win the 1m4f fillies' maiden.

Given an inch-perfect front-running ride by Tom Marquand, the William Haggas-trained three-year-old knuckled down to repel River Of Stars, much to the delight of the Queen's racing manager John Warren.

He said: "What has been fun is that she's had a really good month. She's had half a dozen winners. It's been a really lovely month and it gives the Queen so much pleasure.

"After 70 years of owning and breeding horses, every winner counts, no matter how big or small and that's the sign of a true owner-breeder. It's like your children, if they win anything you're so thrilled."

Meehan bullish

Brian Meehan is no stranger to a top horse and was bullish about impressive debut scorer Isaac Shelby, who the trainer believes could go on to rank in the same category as some of his best.

As big as 20-1 on Monday night, Sean Levey's mount was well backed before striking at odds of 100-30 in the maiden stakes and Meehan, who has trained top-level winners David Junior and Red Rocks in the past, is sweet on his prospects.

"He's a lovely horse with a big future," he said. "We won a similar race here a few years ago with Arcano and I'd say he's in the same bracket. I'd say he's very, very good."

Arcano went on to win the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket and Meehan plans to head to that same meeting with the son of Knight Of Thunder, for whom Royal Ascot may come too soon.

Rich pickings

Rich, who landed the 6f maiden for two-year-old fillies, could be appropriately named – especially for punters who were on at 11-1 overnight.

The Richard Hannon-trained filly became a first British winner for her sire Cracksman and returned at odds of 7-2. Owner Julie Wood said: "Cracksman is a safebreaker, so I thought we'd call her Rich."

Rich (red colours) powers away under Pat Dobbs.Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Wood, an owner with the Hannon family for more than 20 years, added: "We've 12 in training and we've started the season well with a couple of winners and now this filly. I still love it. It's nice to be back with the crowds and not much beats a winner at Newbury on a sunny day."

Connections enjoyed a double when Grand Scheme landed the 1m4f handicap. "There are not many like her in terms of loyalty and commitment to the whole sport," Hannon added.

The pair were ridden by Pat Dobbs, who completed a treble for himself and Hannon on Ellade in the Class 4 7f handicap.

Shrewd success

Charlie Hills would not be the usual recipient of £9,000 yearlings but will certainly hope for more after Sydneyarms Chelsea made a successful debut in division two of the 6½f two-year-old maiden.

"For £9,000, she looks a bit of a bargain," said Emma Spencer, representing the winning syndicate who share their name with the horse.

"Charlie was umming and ahhing that we could insult him with such a cheap purchase!"

Dream Show completed a double for Hills when dead-heating with Hebrides in the 7f Class 3 handicap.

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