Dunlop brothers again to the fore at TT races

The boys did Northern Ireland’s reputation a power of good with a trio of rostrum finishes.

William and Michael plus Ryan Farquhar from Dungannon did themselves proud at the highest level in the sport on a day that saw further victories for old masters John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey.

William took third and his maiden TT rostrum in the opening Supersport race, which was won by Kiwi Anstey on Clive Padgett’s Honda.

Michael had held a commanding lead of 16 seconds at the start of lap three, but was forced out with machine trouble at Ballig.

The two-times TT winner later made amends in the Superstock race as he mounted a furious late charge to steal the runner-up spot from Farquhar as McGuinness increased his tally of victories on the Mountain Course to 19.

Motorcycle legend Joey Dunlop’s record tally of 26 wins now appears to be in jeopardy for the first time with McGuinness showing no signs of slowing down after celebrating his 40th birthday in April.

Reflecting on that possibility, McGuinness said: “If I’m feeling good and people are still prepared to give me competitive bikes then there’s no reason for me to retire.

“I’m 40 years old but Joey was 48 when he won three when I was his team-mate and that was really special.

“In eight years’ time who knows, I could have a few more wins. Maybe if I do it and I set foot in Ireland I mightn’t get home, so I have to be careful!

“I don’t think anyone wants me to catch Joey.”

The Honda rider will start as the hot favourite in Friday’s Senior showpiece and could scale the top step again tomorrow in the clean emissions TT Zero race.