Peterborough Panthers star bows out in the semi-final of the British Championships

Harris, a triple national champion, missed his first outing with bike problems, but worked hard to make the latter stages with 10 points from his remaining four rides.

But when it came to the crunch in the semi-final he didn’t make a good start and finished third to end his night.

The meeting was won by Australia-born Rory Schlein, who was one of the pre-meeting favourites. He pulled clear of Richard Lawson and Jason Crump in the final.

After his dash back from Poland and the World Long Track Championships on Sunday he was let down by two bikes and missed out on the first race after exceeding the two minute warning.

He made a fine start after a long wait for his second outing in Heat 8 from the inside gate, but Schlein made a smart move to pass him down the back straight.

Harris kept his hopes alive with a key move to edge out Ben Barker in Heat 12 for second place behind the impressive Richie Worrall – but he needed a strong finish.

And when he got the better of Panthers hero Crump with a stunning move in his fourth race he propelled himself into contention for the latter stages.

His brave win over Steve Worrall with a thrilling ride in Heat 20 booked a semi-final spot where disappomtment awaited.

Harris rode well in qualifying in the World Long Track event in Rzeszow, collecting 13 points, but he bowed out in the seni-final. Harris finished 10th in the overall Championship.

Former Panther Kenneth Hansen won in Rzeszow to climb from sixth to second overall. German Lukas Fienhage won the overall title.

QUALIFYING SCORES: Rory Schlein 12, Richard Lawson 11, Richie Worrall 11, Jason Crump 11, Chris Harris 10, Steve Worrall 10, Drew Kemp 8, Danny King 8, Ben Barker 8, Lewis Kerr 7, Paul Starke 7, Josh Auty 5, Tom Brennan 5, Dan Thompson 3, Josh Bates 2, Joe Thompson 2, Ben Woodhull (res) 0.

SEMI-FINAL: Crump, S.Worrall, Harris, R.Worrall (fell).

FINAL: Schlein, Lawson, Crump, S.Worrall.