Archibald in regal form at Dundrod

The confusion at the end concerned the timing of the red flag following Lougher's spill.

He was not seriously injured, but wisely took no further part in day's fair missing the main UGP feature race. Earlier the Welshman, riding for the TAS Suzuki Grand Prix team took the honours ahead of Jefferies on his V&M Yamaha in an Open category race reduced to five laps.

Lougher went round at an average speed of 124.180 mph and recorded a fastest lap of 124.919.

Archibald brought his Red Bull Honda into third place after starting the penultimate lap in fifth.

Lougher went a stage further in the Production race with an average speed of 123.36 mph which included a lap record of 124.33.

Lougher pipped Iain Duffus with Adrian McFarland in third spot which saw a 1-2-3 Sukuzi finish.

The Welsh ace, however, had to give way to Robert Dunlop in the five-lap 125cc race.

Dunlop, who has yet to lose a race this year, pipped Lougher after another thrilling duel.

Dunlop lifts the laurels in 125cc race

Worcester's James Crompton was second with David Lemon third.

Right from the start of the day's action there were plenty of thrills and spills..

There was a six-rider spill in the first Newcomers race which was won by Isle of Man visitor Richard Quale.

The race was cut to five laps after the crash at Rocks Cross with Barry Davidson and David Murtagh taken to hospital.

Both riders had arm injuries while the other quartet were treated for minor problems at the circuit.

The race itself came to a further premature end when Dean Sylvester dropped his machine at Wheeler's Corner.

Quale took the honours from Gary Jess and Bruce Anstey following a very keen tussle.