I watched (nearly) all the action tonight at Ballabeg Hairpin. I don't often go there but decided to (premonition/second sight, Don?) for a change of scene.

At least 6 bikes packed up there including 2 Classics on the blind exit.
A sidecar outfit (Kelly & Gale?) slid spectacularly into the bales by the bus stop on the approach, throwing both occupants out. Both winded, shaken, bruised, but OK.

A heron landed in the middle of the road on the blind exit - and was chased off by marshals ( my suggestion that it was Tom Herron did not impress anyone). 20 minutes later, the same heron landed on the same spot. Plucky marshal chases and catches heron and puts it in the portaloo for the remainder of the racing (he released it unharmed afterwards). Throughout his career as a lootenant, Mr Heron was positioned right beside a very loud PA system that was blasting out Manx Radio commentary, later followed by the Folk Programme. I wonder what his impression is of the human race following last night's experience?

A Toilet crisis was averted when a neighbouring householder volunteered their toilet for emergencies.

As the first race started, so did the rain. I remarked to the chap beside me that it could get a bit dodgy if they've chosen slicks. Prophetic!
Tim Poole high-sided on exit, did a spectacularly gymnastic roll and jumped into a driveway to safety. Ian Lougher high-sided even more spectacularly on exit, flew up in the air and landed very heavily. He spent a long time being looked after but eventually was OK and joking with other stopped riders after the race was red-flagged.

The marshalling and flagging was all extremely efficient. The red flag, and subsequent end of the evening's racing was because of a big off after Stadium Corner. A rider was helicoptered (with suspected leg injuries?), but the bike on fire and aftermath to clear up probably caused end of racing for the day.

Isn't it quiet at Gorse Lea, by comparison?