In the first wave, Bush had a double-digit lead, but by the final wave of polling, the race had become a dead heat, indicating that the president's momentum had eroded.
The Woodhall Spa rider finished ahead of Bruce Anstey in the first race although it ended amid confusion with the officials failing to wave the chequered flag which led to Plater and Anstey continuing to ride hard for over half-a-lap before realising that the race was over.