Johnston ended the race in ninth position, with Crumlin's Stephen Thompson 10th and Jamie Hamilton 14th.

Waterford's Brian McCormack, who was making his debut at the event, came in 23rd, but Saintfield's Davy Morgan and Steve Heneghan failed to finish.

The race was won by Ian Hutchinson, who had not raced for 18 months, with Michael Rutter coming in second.

Milwaukee Yamaha rider Hutchinson overhauled eight-time winner Rutter on lap five and secured a two-second advantage before the race was stopped with two laps remaining.

Lincolnshire's Gary Johnson completed the podium, with John McGuinness, Jimmy Storrar and Jeremy Toye completing the top six.

Dean Harrison crashed out unhurt but the red flags went out as his RC Express Kawasaki was lying in the middle of the track.



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