Joey Dunlop extended his winning record in the Isle of Man TT races to an amazing 24 on Saturday as he powered to victory in the six-lap opener to the annual festival by almost a minute from Michael Rutter.
Dunlop, the 48-year-old from Ballymoney, held the upper hand from the start in the 226-mile race, heading off the challenge of last year's winner Dave Jefferies.
Dunlop, who first raced on the island in 1976, held the advantage until the fourth lap when Jefferies put in a stunning 123.8mph lap of the demanding 37.73 mile Mountain Course, to take a half second lead as they pitted for the second time.
Dunlop's Honda team provided the slicker service halt, and he rejoined the action with a six seconds advantage.
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