Blackpool’s Roy Richardson took the chequered flag in the opening race of the Blackford’s Pre TT Classic Road Races, the long established event that opens the TT Festival.

Chris Palmer took the hole shot in the 250cc & 350cc Singles race run concurrently, but it was Roy Richardson who led at the end of the first of the six laps, continuing to pull away, initially from Palmer, who dropped from second to fourth on the fourth lap, encountering machine problems, but managed to complete the race in that place.

Bill Swallow and Mike Hose battled throughout the 25.50-mile race, with the latter taking second place at the flag.

Rich Hawkins, Meredydd Owen completed the top six.

Last year’s victor in the 250cc class, Ted Fenwick now a spritely 83-year-old, once again showed the youngsters the way home, taking victory from Ian Ward and another previous winner Terry Kermode.

An excellent start to the Blackford Financial Services Pre TT Classic Road Races, which continue on Monday morning 30th May, commencing at 9.10am.