Shane Byrne was inspired to claim a British Superbike double by a phone call from his sick wife.

Worried Byrne won both races at Knockhill in Scotland on Sunday with wife Petra 500 miles away in Medway Hospital.

Shakey’s Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki team boss Paul Bird had a helicopter on standby.

But the Sittingbourne rider focused on racing following a phone call from improving Petra, who was admitted three weeks after an hysterectomy operation at a private hospital.

Byrne said: “Literally five minutes before I put my helmet on, Petra called.

“She said it was the first time in eight years she’d missed a race and she was sorry and was thinking of me. It was massive to get a double win but I just wanted to get on a plane, go home and see my wife. She’s been to hell and back.”

Byrne’s double – his fifth and sixth wins of the season – moved him 30 points clear in the standings. His campaign resumes at Snetterton on July 5-7.