Dundrod crash racer Costello stable in hospital

Motorbike rider Derek Costello was stable in hospital last night after crashing at the Dundrod 150 road races on Thursday.

The 34-year-old, from the small fishing town of Skerries, Co Dublin, crashed on the final lap of the opening National Race at the Co Antrim circuit.

The Irish rider had been lying in third position when he crashed heavily at Flow Bog Cross Roads.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and treated for trauma to the head.

Race organisers said yesterday he was critically ill, but his condition stabilised last night.

Racing at the Dundrod 150 meeting was called off later on Thursday because of the conditions on the 7.4-mile circuit.

The Superbike event was also abandoned after one lap.

Ian Lougher was declared the 125cc winner after just two laps.

Wayne Hamilton was the Supertwin winner with Andy Farrell topping the Supersport 400 timings.

In a statement yesterday from Noel Johnston, clerk of the course at the Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club, he said the thoughts and prayers of the club are with Derek and his family.

“It’s too early in the investigation to deliberate on the cause of the incident. The racing conditions at the time were very good. The Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club is co-operating fully with the PSNI and the MCUI in this matter.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Derek and his family at this difficult time. We have offered them our full support and will do all we can to assist.”