JAMES Hillier’s Isle of Man TT campaign ended on a disappointing note when he was forced to retire from Friday's senior race.

The Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki flier had been hopeful of his third podium of the week but mechanical gremlins ended his charge on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

Hillier was fourth early on, just two and a half seconds behind Michael Dunlop and four and a half seconds adrift of leader Dean Harrison.

However, the Ringwood rider’s race ended when he pulled up at Westwood due to a cracked sump.

Peter Hickman went on to take victory, with Harrison second and Conor Cummins third.

Hillier said: “I knew the pace was going to be hot and while 134 to 135mph was probably going to be out of my reach, I felt I could have pushed for the final podium position.

“I made a conscious effort to have a real go on the first lap and felt I’d put a good first sector together, which was borne out in the time.

“I was settling into the race but when I went through the bottom of Barregarrow, there was a big bang and a lot of smoke.

“It’s a disappointing way to end the fortnight but I’ve had two podiums and two more top-five finishes, so I’m happy enough.

“The team, as always, have done a brilliant job.”

Team owner Pete Extance said: “Today has been a disappointing end to a really strong week for James and the team.

"We felt given the way James was riding, a podium was a possibility and that could be seen in his time through the first sector. Unfortunately, his race ended soon after and with the way the race went, third place would have been up for grabs.

“It was a shame but, more importantly, James was safe after the incident and the whole team can be happy with their performances throughout the week.

“The lap times were good in all classes and James came away with two podiums, a fourth and a fifth and they are great results for the team."