History-making Isle of Man TT rider Michael Dunlop says “it is an honour” to join his uncle Joey as the most successful rider ever at the famous international public roads racing event.

Michael won Saturday’s opening Supersport race to match Joey on 26 career wins over the daunting Mountain Course.

The 35-year-old will compete in a further seven races at this year’s TT, affording him several opportunities to create a new landmark.

Joey, widely considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers, died in 2000 aged 48 when competing in Estonia.

“It takes a bit of the pressure off now. It’s something that has been looming now for a full year so it’s good to get it,” Michael told BBC Sport NI after winning the four-lap race by 8.5 seconds from runner-up Davey Todd.

“Everyone wants to strive to be Joey round here and to be there now, to be one of the most successful around the TT circuit, to share it with Joey, is an