Sunflower Trophy cancelled due to weather warnings

The Sunflower Trophy motorcycle race meeting at Bishopscourt on Saturday has been cancelled due to Storm Austen and Storm Boelo.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for wind and rain in parts of Northern Ireland over the weekend and race organisers have called off the races on safety grounds.

In a statement, the organising Hillsborough and District Motorcycle Club said the decision came with "great regret".

"This decision has not been taken lightly. Following a lengthy period of deliberation and careful consideration of the forecast and the safety of everyone involved, the Club has reached the difficult conclusion that the event cannot go ahead," the statement said.

"We understand the disappointment this news will bring to our riders, teams, sponsors, officials, volunteers and spectators, particularly given the work and preparation that goes into an event of this scale.

"We sincerely thank everyone for their continued support and understanding."

The Sunflower Trophy races are an annual end of season meeting at Bishopscourt that attracts competitors from the British championship to race against local riders.

Ulster Superbike champion Carl Phillips, who won the feature race at last year's event, was set to compete on Saturday along with Richard Cooper, James Ellison, Jack Burrows, Eugene McManus, Rhys Irwin and Laurent Hoffman