DISTINCTLY IRISH, with Winston Griffiths aboard, cruises to victory in yesterday's Chairman's Trophy race at Caymanas Park. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

FIVE-TIME champion jockey Trevor 'Slicer' Simpson yesterday made a bold bid for a sixth riders' title at Caymanas Park when he booted home a five-timer on the 13-race card to move to 29 wins, two shy of leader Paul Francis.

It was all 'Slicer' as he won the second and third races with ISLA and FIDDLE STICKS before being awarded the eighth event in the stewards room aboard UNIQUE SELECTION.

Simpson rounded off his big day by winning the 10th race in a driving finish astride EXPLOSIVE PEAK and enjoyed an armchair ride aboard 1-5 favourite YOSHI in the nightpan at 1000 metres straight.

UNIQUE SELECTION being awarded the eighth event over 2000 metres for the W. 'Billy' Pick Memorial was not without controversy as it involved two of the more popular riders at the track, Simpson and the in-form Oneil Mullings, whose mount, HEZA RANKING, was disqualified for causing multiple interference to UNIQUE SELECTION in a stretch duel.

Trying to steal home from a charging UNIQUE SELECTION, 5-2 chance HEZA RANKING hung right a furlong out when challenged. However, the situation was made worse when slow-motion replays clearly showed Mullings' whip hitting the nose of Simpson's mount.

A lengthy stewards' enquiry, featuring several replays ended with HEZA RANKING's number being taken down and the connections of UNIQUE SELECTION being summoned to the winners' enclosure for the presentation of the trophy for the day's co-feature.

Return to winning ways

Meanwhile, DISTINCTLY IRISH returned to his winning ways in the 1500-metre feature, the Chairman's Trophy, outclassing five rivals to win by four lengths, beating LA REINA, who bolted after turning for home in front under Simpson.

DISTINCTLY IRISH, the 2003 Derby winner, was partnered by Winston Griffiths for trainer Philip Feanny and owner Howard Hamilton.

The race in the jockeys' standings remained a tight one as Francis booted home one winner, STARRY EYES in the fifth race, for trainer Noel Ennevor, to maintain his advantage.

The disqualification left Mullings empty-handed but tied on 29 winners with Trevor Simpson and apprentice Javour Simpson, who also went winless.

Omar Walker moved to third on 28 wins after booting home a double, ROMEZ in the fourth and JELISA WAY in the ninth.