Cesare snatch a last-gasp victory when storming home in the Royal Hunt Cup to crown a magnificent day for trainer James Fanshawe and jockey Jamie Spencer.

The pair had combined successfully earlier on the second afternoon of Royal Ascot with Soviet Song in the Windsor Forest Stakes.

And they once again proved to be the team to beat in the big betting heat of the day as Cesare made up for an expensive flop on his previous start with a narrow victory.

The 30-runner field split into two groups with Cesare under restraint on the stands side.

It soon became clear that the low numbers had the advantage with Stronghold (14-1) going for home with two furlongs to go but Spencer on the 14-1 winner had him in his sights and after following the leader through nailed him close home for a neck verdict.

Akona Matata 16-1 was another one and three-quarter lengths back in third, with Hinterland (15-2) fourth.

The first seven home all raced on the stands side, with Pride Of Nation, the 11-2 favourite, well beaten back in 13th after racing on the far rail.

Cesare had been the subject of a massive ante-post gamble in the Lincoln at Redcar in March but proved a major disappointment on that occasion.

He had not been seen out since but made amends in fine style and Fanshawe said: "He looked all hairy before the Lincoln and it was a cock-up going there.

"I always thought there was a decent handicap in him and I didn't run him because I just didn't want to blow his mark.

"He works like a class horse at home so I thought he'd get there today.

"He's been favourite for a couple of these big handicaps - in the Lincoln and at Goodwood - and today he's proved he can do it.

"I don't know where he'll go, we'll see when he has been reassessed and we've checked him over. The handicapper may decide whether or not he steps up in class but he shouldn't go up much for winning a neck."

Summing up his afternoon the Newmarket-based handler added: "It's been a good day's racing and it's a great leveller so make the most of it."

Spencer was always confident of success.

He said: "I really fancied him after he did a piece of work with Soviet Song and finished upsides.

"He had a good draw and he's a hold-up horse and needed so much luck but he got the breaks. It was a bit tight early on but as the race progressed the gaps appeared.

"I followed Stronghold through and I was in cruise control, it was like the greyhound chasing the hare."