Cookstown 100: Barry Davidson becomes most successful rider ever at Co Tyrone meeting after emotional Classic GP125 victory
Ballymena’s Barry Davidson became the most successful rider ever at the Cookstown 100 after winning the Classic GP125 race for his 27th victory at the famous Irish road race.
Davidson was tied with road racing great Ryan Farquhar on 26 wins before his latest success on the Trison McMullan Racing Honda 125 at the Orritor course on Saturday.
The three-time Manx Grand Prix winner was presented with the trophy by the Cookstown club’s Baylon McCaughey, who sponsored the race.
It was an emotional moment for road racing stalwart Davidson, whose father Sammy sadly passed away a few days before the event.
The 49-year-old has now won 110 Irish road races during a career spanning more than 30 years, placing him sixth on the all-time list of winners behind Ryan Farquhar (211), Joey Dunlop (156), Robert Dunlop (135), Michael Dunlop (130) and William Dunlop (119).
Three years ago, Davidson reached the special milestone of 100 Irish road racing victories at Cookstown after winning the Supersport 300 race on the Trison McMullan Racing Honda.
He went on to complete a hat-trick at the 2023 meeting, also winning the 250cc and 350cc Classic races.
Speaking at the time, he said it was an honour to be among the most famous names in road racing.
“It’s very special because the name Barry Davidson has never really been a household name like your Ryan Farquhars, Joey Dunlop or Michael Dunlop – it’s never really been up there with them,” Davison said.
“It’s taken a lot of dedication and sacrifices from my family and it’s something really special for us.
“It’s probably getting to that stage where in the future I’ll have to hang the leathers up, but I’ll keep going and I’m still enjoying myself.”
Davidson also finished third in the Pre-73 Classic Senior race on a Honda 500 on Saturday, which was won by Dungannon stalwart Nigel Moore (Seeley G50 500) from Gareth Arnold (Honda 500).
Andy Hornby won the Pre-73 Classic Unlimited race on the RPS Triumph 750 from Richard Ford (Norton 920).