Hutchinson makes history

MAGNIFICENT Ian Hutchinson became the only rider in the 103-year history of the Isle of Man TT to win fives races in a week.

Hutchinson (30) guided his Padgetts Honda Fireblade to victory in a drama-packed Dainese Senior race to smash Portadown rider Phillip McCallen’s 13-year record of four wins in the same year.

It has been an unforgettable TT for Honda and Hutchinson, who completed an unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo races.

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His victory charge began last Saturday when he opened his account with a win in the PokerStars Superbike race.

He followed up with a double on Monday in the Monster Energy Supersport ‘A’ and Royal London 360 races.

With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Hutchy matched Phillip McCallen’s feat in Thursday’s second Supersport race, which he won by just over a second from Michael Dunlop before completing his Mountain march in astonishing style with an historic Senior success on Friday.

He won by 37 seconds from gritty Dungannon rider Ryan Farquhar (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) with Kiwi Bruce Anstey third and the top six completed by veteran Ian Lougher (Blackhorse Kawasaki), Michael Rutter (Bathams Honda) and Dan Stewart (Wilcock Consulting Honda).

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HM Plant Honda’s John McGuinness was left to reflect on a frustrating week after he was forced to retire from the race with mechanical issues at Glen Helen on the second lap, with team-mate Keith Amor suffering the same feat on the last lap of the race, pulling out at the same location.

The big money race of the week had to be re-started after Guy Martin crashed at Ballagarey, sustaining non life-threatening injuries.

At that point McGuinness was holding a slight lead over Martin, Hutchinson and Cummins, with all three locked in a furious battle on the opening laps.

Ballymoney’s Michael Dunlop, who was lying fifth on the Robinson Honda in the initial race, retired on the first lap of the re-run event at Joey’s, 26 miles into the new race.

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There was further cause for concern when the race was run over a rescheduled distance of four laps after Manx favourite Conor Cummins crashed on the Mountain, sustaining arm and leg injuries.

With a string of leading contenders falling by the wayside, Hutchinson simply had to keep his focus and maintain his healthy advantage over Farquhar.

Cheered on by thousands of appreciative fans, the English rider finished the job in hand to make TT history.

Hutchinson also won the Joey Dunlop Championship and 10,000 first prize by a commanding 61 points from Michael Dunlop and Farquhar.

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James McBride took the honours in the Privateers Championship with Davy Morgan from Saintfield third.

The top 10 in the Senior race was completed by Adrian Archibald from Ballymoney on his Superstock machine in seventh place ahead of Dan Kneen, Morgan and McBride.

John Burrows was 15th, newcomer Stephen Thompson 26th and Brian McCormack 27th.

William Dunlop retired on Chris Dowd’s Suzuki.

Jenny Tinmouth reinforced her status as the faster female competitor at the TT with a lap at 119.945mph.

Meanwhile, there will be further action on the Isle of Man today with the post-TT race meeting at Billown.