TT 2016: Ian Hutchinson wins third Supersport race in a row

In brilliant sunshine, Hutchinson led the four-lap race from start to finish on Keith Flint’s Team Traction Control Yamaha to claim his 12th win around the Mountain Course.

The 36-year-old had 14.3 seconds in hand over Ulster rider Dunlop, who dominated Saturday’s RST Superbike race.

Bradford’s Dean Harrison completed the podium in third place on the Silicone Engineering Kawasaki.

Hutchinson, who broke the old race record by 15.2 seconds, said: “I think I have a little connection with this bike and I got away and knew I could push real hard in the first two sectors.

“I did that and for the rest of the race it was pretty smooth other than the last part, when there was more backmarkers than I’ve ever seen in my life.

“All the records have been going this week except for the 600s but I’ve been miles away and we’ve been scratching our heads, but I’ve enjoyed to today and it’s fantastic.”

Hutchinson set the fastest lap of the race at 128.26mph on lap two – just outside Dunlop’s lap record for the class.

Runner-up Dunlop said he had struggled at the beginning of the race on the Street Sweep Yamaha, which he only rode for the first time at the North West 200.

“We struggled and that’s the long and the short of it,” said the 27-year-old. “It was the first real good run we got on the 600 to get some feedback, but we’ve got that now and we can make a few changes.

“Thanks to Gary Ryan at Street Sweep because he’s worked real hard to put the bike together and we’ve got a good package and it’s something we can work on for Wednesday’s race,” he added.

“I just didn’t kick on quick enough, but I’m looking forward to making changes and stepping forward. Conditions are good and the track’s good.”

Dunlop expressed disappointment that his older brother William had been unable to ride at his maximum level after a crash during practice at Sarah’s Cottage left the 30-year-old feeling battered and bruised.

“He’s a wee bit tender and it’s a pity because he’s got the pace around here and on my day and on his day we both have great pace,” Michael said. “I’d like to have seen him out there pushing it.”

Harrison had impressed during practice and carried his form into the race as he closed out a fine third place ahead of James Hillier (Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki).

Manx rider Conor Cummins, riding the Valvoline Padgetts Honda, finished fifth while John McGuinness (Jackson Racing Honda) completed the top six.

Fermanagh’s Lee Johnston crossed the line in seventh ahead of William Dunlop (IC Racing Yamaha), and Steve Mercer (Jackson Honda).

Gary Johnson – who had a disastrous pit stop – regrouped to score a top ten result on the T3 Triumph.

Bruce Anstey and Michael Rutter were among the retirements, stopping at Ballacraine, while Peter Hickman lost time on the Trooper Beer Kawasaki when he stopped to make adjustments.

Ireland’s Michael Sweeney retired at the 33rd Milestone on lap three.