PIRATES racer Nathan Ablitt just missed out on a podium place after a dramatic run-off at the British Under-19 Championship at Redcar.
The Poole reserve picked up wins in heat seven and 16 to help him reach 11 points from a possible 15 after five rides.
But with Ablitt, Plymouth’s Harry McGurk and Oxford’s Sam Hagon all level, a run-off was needed to decide the third-place spot.
In a pulsating battle with all three riders swapping positions, McGurk, who was also struggling with an ankle injury, was awarded the race victory when Ablitt fell on the first bend of lap three.
Berwick and Wolverhampton rider Leon Flint was crowned champion with a faultless 15-point maximum.
Belle Vue Colts racer Jake Mulford finished an impressive second.
Ablitt is set to be back in action for Pirates when they make the trip to Birmingham Brummies on Wednesday.
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