During their relatively short operational service, Hornets participated in several record attempts and air races; for example, on 15 September 1949 Flight Lieutenant H. Peebles flew from RAF Bovingdon to Gibraltar (1,100+ mi) at an average speed of 357.565 mph (574.445 km/h), setting a new British point-to-point record. Peebles' record stood for only three days, being broken when the same Hornet, flown by Group Captain A.P.C. Carver, returned to Bovingdon, averaging 435.871 mph (701.466 km/h). On 31 August 1946, Geoffrey Pike attained third place in "PX224" in the Lympne High Speed Handicap race, having flown a recorded average speed of 345.5 mph. On 30 July 1949, "PX286" participated in the National Air Races (GB) at Elmdon; when flown by Geoffrey Pike, it clocked the fastest lap at 369 mph and attained second place overall.