Mike Hose became the most successful rider in the history of the Blackfords Pre-TT Classic when he won the opening race of the Billown meeting on Saturday afternoon.

It was his 17th win.

The Moreton, on Merseyside, man rode a 350cc AJS to victory in the Singles race, leading most of the 25.5-mile distance to finish almost four seconds clear of Hexham’s Mark Herbertson on a similar machine.

Foxdale’s Rich Hawkins was unable to replicate last year’s win and had to settle for third place on this occasion, 17.5s down on Herbertson.

He was the lone Ducati in a top-six otherwise dominated by AJS’s, with Keith Dixon fourth, Dave Matravers fifth and Meredydd Owen sixth.

Keith Shannon made it a hat-trick of wins in the 250cc class, taking his Cotton to a clear victory over Will Loder (Greeves) and Bob Millinship (Ducati).

Eddy Wright and Kieran Clarke took their 1070cc Windle BMW to victory in the opening sidecar heat.

This was record-breaking ride as Tadcaster man Wright became the most successful sidecar driver in the history of the meeting.

Runners-up were Keith Walters and Alun Thomas (Windle Honda).

Racing at the Pre-TT Classic continues today (Sunday) with a full programme of events from 1.50pm. Roads close at 1.30, re-opening for 45 minutes at 5pm. The final four races will take place this evening, with road re-closing at 5.45 and finally re-opening at no later than 9pm.