CHARLIE Longsdon has described training his first winner for the Queen as a privilege after Forth Bridge’s battling victory at Musselburgh.

Aptly-named after the Scottish track’s nearby historic river crossing, the three-year-old made the 700-mile round trip from Longsdon’s Chipping Norton stables for a juvenile hurdle over an extended mile and seven furlongs.

And the 30-100 favourite’s long trek paid off with a neck verdict over Warp Factor under Brian Hughes.

Forth Bridge won a valuable juvenile hurdle at Musselburgh Racecourse today, he had to battle the whole way to the line but Brian Hughes gave him a fine ride.

Longsdon said: “The second horse is probably as good as us on flat form, and they went a good pace in the race so the time was quite quick, eight seconds faster than the maiden hurdle over the same course and distance.

“He has taken to hurdles exceptionally well and is an exciting prospect for the future. He is our first winner for the Queen and it is a privilege to train a winner in the royal colours.

“Many thanks to Musselburgh for putting on such good prize money, made the trip worth it.”