WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

BALLYMONEY bike ace William Dunlop raced into the record books on Saturday with irresistible performances at the H2 Engineering Bush Road Races.

The 24-year-old claimed four victories at the sun-kissed meeting in Dungannon - smashing the outright lap record on Chris Dowd's 600cc Yamaha to become the first rider to break the 90mph barrier.

His magnificent efforts capped off a remarkable seven days for Dunlop who recorded a hat-trick of victories at the Manx Telecom Post TT Races the previous weekend.

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A delighted Dunlop (left) described Saturday as his greatest national race to date.

"It was a good day all round and it was the best national race I've ever had," he said.

"I wasn't keen on riding the 600 Yamaha at the Bush because the bike was knackered from the TT, but Chris (Dowd) said I should and I'm glad that I did because it worked out well.

"I didn't have too much trouble in the Supersport race but I was pushed hard in the Superbike races.

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"My 600 was strong in some places but then I was losing out to the Superbikes on other bits of the course, so it was hard work because it's so hard to pass around the Bush circuit," he added.

"Davy Morgan won the Open race and he deserved it because he was riding really well.

"I made a couple of changes to the bike for the Grand Final and had a bit more pace. I had a really good race with John Burrows and was able to make a bit of a break on the last lap and I really enjoyed myself - the racing was really good."

Dunlop ruled the roost in the two-stroke 125cc and 250cc classes and had the measure of his rivals in the Supersport race before putting the icing on the cake with victory in the Grand Final.

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He held off the advances of John Burrows (BE Engineering Suzuki) to cap a memorable day in the big race, setting a new absolute course record of 90.445mph on the Dowd Yamaha R6.

In the Supersport race Dunlop stormed off the line and established a commanding six second lead at the head of the field, setting a new lap record for the class as he asserted his authority.

John Burrows was comfortable in second place but Michael Pearson, Davy Morgan and Michal Dokoupil were locked in a furious battle for third.

It was Pearson who made the early running in the Open race from Derek Sheils before the pair were overhauled by Morgan and Dunlop.

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Dunlop was in pole position as they began their final lap but the experienced Morgan made a crucial pass when it mattered most and took the chequered flag by 1.25 seconds, with Burrows edging out Pearson for third.

In the Grand Final it was Pearson who again set the pace in the initial stages from Burrows, Dunlop and Morgan.

Burrows hit the front on the third lap but Dunlop was getting into his stride and looked menacing on the fifth lap, with Pearson and Morgan disputing third.

Dunlop had plenty in reserve and pulverised the old lap record to break Burrows' resolve and nail down a victory in the main race of the day.

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Dunlop eased to victory in the 250cc race, which was started by Sharon Neill, whose late husband Andrew won the corresponding event in 2009.

He was never troubled in the 125cc race, taking the honours from Nigel Moore and North West 200 winner Paul Robinson.

John Burrows was a popular winner in the Supertwins race, taking the victory from Czech rider Michal Dokoupil with Derek Sheils third.

Burrows led all the way and shaved seven seconds off the old lap record on his way to his maiden triumph at his home event.

William's brother Michael sat out the Bush meeting but he hopes to take his place on the grid at Skerries.