Inquests into two deaths during this year's Manx Grand Prix have been opened and adjourned at Douglas Courthouse today.

Coroner of inquests Michael Moyle held preliminary hearings into the deaths of competitor Richard Bartlett, who died in the Newcomers' race, and visiting motorcyclist Jake Drake-Brockman, who was involved in an accident near Orrisdale.

Both lost their lives on September 1, during MGP race week.

Marian Kenny was in court (text, below, from attached audio file):

Mr Bartlett, a 38-year-old engineer from Dartford in Kent, was making his debut in the event when he came off his machine at Kerrowmooar.

He suffered serious head, neck and abdominal injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene by the helicopter medical crew.

The court heard his injuries were consistent with a high-speed motorcycle racing incident.

The second inquest opened and adjourned today was into the death of James Drake-Brockman, known as Jake, a classic bike enthusiast visiting the Island for the MGP.

The 53-year-old sound recordist from Bristol was involved in a collision with another vehicle on the Kirk Michael to Ballaugh Road. He died from multiple injuries in the intensive care unit at Noble's Hospital.

Police inquries are continuing into that accident and Mr Moyle said the full inquest into Mr Jake-Brockman's death may have to be delayed until those are complete.

Mr Moyle released the bodies of both men to their familes.