NOT even a bolting horse could stop Wigginton racing cyclist Phil Brighton making a big impression when he returned to competition after a two-week lay off due to illness.

Brighton (Samson RT/Ceejay Graphics/Askham Bryan College) finished in sixth place in the Halifax Racing Club road race at Thornton, near Bradford, over an undulating 3.5 kilometre circuit of 14 laps for the 60-riders.

The race was almost brought to a premature end when a horse ran in front of the leading bunch.

Four riders went ahead with six laps remaining. On the final lap Mike Gill (Chevin Racing Team) pulled away to finish first, while Brighton showed why he is one of Yorkshire's fastest finishers to easily win the bunch sprint for sixth spot.

Brighton, who will be on the Isle of Man in two weeks to compete in the European road race championships, hopes to at least have the form to complete the two-lap time trial course around the island.

Updated: 10:20 Monday, July 14, 2003