The Manx Grand Prix has been hit by🎉 tragedy after a rider was killed during finaꦅl practice on the infamous Mountain Course last night.

Steve Osborne, a newcomer who ౠhails from the Isle of Man, fell on the approach to Quarterbridge at Alexan♋der Drive.

The 60-year-old was taken to Nobles Hospita🎃l but died from his injuries.

The 🏅practice session was abandoned around 7.10pm following the incident.

In a statement issued this morning, Harvey Garton, Chairman of the Manx Motor Cycle Club, said: "Steve was 🐟one of the great characters around the Manx Grand Prix paddock and was a well known figure in the local racing scene.

"It's a great ෴loss to the sport and on behalf of t✤he Club I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his son Stuart and his friends and family."

The stat🔥ement revealed that Mr Osborne, an IT consultant with the Isle of Man Government, first competed on a home-built BSA Bantam with the Formula Bantam Racing Club at Llandow in 1967 at the 💯age of 16.

His 🦄son Stuart was a newcomer in last year's Manx Grand Prix and Steve was a member of his support team and pit crew during the 2011 event.

Mr Osborne finished in fifth placꦯe in this year's Support race at the Pre-TT Classic meeting on a 500cc Suzu♕ki.

He was ma🧜rried and his next of k♏in has been informed.

Tonight, the opening race of the 2012 festival - the Newcomers event - is scheduled for a 5.3ꦑ0pm st🐷art.