MARTIN DWYER put a frustrating week at Royal Ascot behind him when the Brian Meehan-trained Manassas landed the Buckingham Palace Handicap on Friday.

The Liverpool jockey has not had a winner at the Royal meeting for four years, but was hopeful of a least one this time. And having seen the warm Queen Mary Stakes favourite Shumoos finish second on Wednesday and, earlier yesterday, his well-fancied Theyskens' Theory disappoint in the Coronation Stakes, the Scouser and trainer Meehan finally triumphed in Friday's finale.

Manassas revelled in the testing conditions and after the 12-1 chance hit the front a furlong from home he held on to score by a length from Excellent Guest (16-1) with Striking Spirit (50-1) in third and Decent Fella (16-1) was fourth.

Dwyer was having his sixth career winner at the Royal meeting but first since Drawmfromthepast took the Windsor Castle Stakes in 2007.

He was naturally delighted and the 35-year-old said: "We were having a terrible week, but this old boy has pulled it out of the bag for us."It's soft, but he's a very tough handicapper.

"He ran well in the Victoria Cup (second) and loves Ascot. He dug deep for me.

"I couldn't see a lot with the rain and my goggles steaming up.

"I kept going until I saw the jam stick (winning post)."

Trainer Meehan added: "I didn't think the ground would really bother him too much. He's quite versatile and seems to go on any ground.

"I was more concerned about the week we were having.

"It was the last runner of the meeting for me and he's won, so that's good."