McElderry in form as he takes the win on the finishing line at Jacob’s ladder

He came out on top on the undulating Jacob’s ladder circuit outside Saintfield.

The race was set off under handicap conditions, with Colin starting in the scratch bunch.

It was a tough race, which saw the scratch group take the lead shortly after the start of the 3rd lap, disintegrating the main field.

Colin, Andy Morrison and Bobby Millar drove this leading group with Colin taking the win on the line, closely followed by Andy in second and Bobby Millar in third.

Ryan Lyttle again showed his consistency to finish just off this group, closely followed by early solo leader, Steven Bloomer.

Steven had originally attacked from the front group and led the race for nearly 3 laps before eventually being caught.

Stuart Suckling dug deep to come home in sixth place with Josh Murray (seventh) hunting him down in the closing stages of the final lap but just unable to reel him in.

After that, riders crossed the line in dribs and drabs with Mark Scott next to finish, followed by the group consisting of Mickey Murray, David McKee, Paul Smyth and Campbell Stewart.

With three races gone and two to go, the top of the leader board for the Houston Cup is getting congested.

Mark Lyttle and David McKee are now tied on points with Ryan Lyttle one point back.

The next races are on the Nutts Corner circuit and Lylehill.

Both will suit riders with climbing ability which leaves the overall competition wide open.