Queen of the South beat Rangers 2-0 at Palmerston on Friday night to move to within four points of Ally McCoist's men in the Championship.
Kevin Holt fired James Fowler's side ahead with a 22nd-minute free-kick in what was the first league meeting between the teams in Dumfries for 50 years.
Gavin Reilly's fine strike midway through the second half sealed the victory for Queen of the South, who have now won six of their eight home league games this season.
The result means Hearts have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points when they face Cowdenbeath at Central Park on Saturday.
