Isle of Man TT: Michael Dunlop clinches fourth win of week

Michael Dunlop continued his dominance at this year's Isle of Man TT as he took his fourth victory of the week by winning Wednesday's Supersport race.

Bruce Anstey held a five-second advantage over Dunlop at one stage in the race but the Ballymoney man fought back to pip the Kiwi by 2.3 seconds.

Dunlop smashed his own race record set in Monday's Supersport event and he also set a lap record of 128.667mph.

John McGuinness took third after just finishing ahead of William Dunlop.

Winner Dunlop trailed by four seconds at the start of the final circuit but his lap record ensured that he overhauled Anstey.

Anstey was also inside Dunlop's previous three-year-old lap record with a speed of 127.89mph.

The New Zealander enjoyed a 3.5-second advantage after lap one and his lead was 4.5 seconds after lap two and lap three.

Dunlop took the lead at Ballaugh Bridge on the fourth lap and saw off the challenge of the Padgett's HM Plant Honda rider.

"I really pushed on that final lap and lost the front end big style at the Bungalow. We put a lot of effort into that," said Dunlop.

The 24-year-old has now equalled compatriot Phillip McCallen's feat of four wins in one week and will target Ian Hutchinson's record of five wins in seven days when he races in the Lightweight and Senior races on Friday.

McGuinness was 41 seconds behind Anstey in third, the 19-times winner equalling Joey Dunlop's record of 40 podiums at the road racing festival.

The Morecambe man pipped William Dunlop for the final rostrum place by just one second.

Australian Cameron Donald was fifth with James Hillier in sixth with Conor Cummins the best of the Manx finishers in 10th and Ballyclare rider Jamie Hamilton 12th.

Dunlop triumphed in Sunday's opening Superbike race before taking victories in Monday's opening Supersport and Superstock races.

The 24-year-old now brings up his career Isle of Man record to seven wins.

Dunlop will have further chances for wins in Friday's lightweight and Senior TT races.

Race programme

Wednesday, 5 June

14:15 - Sidecar 2 (three laps)

Friday, 7 June

10:15 - Lightweight (three laps)

13:00 - Senior TT (six laps)