In a sport where physical stature and strength are often considered essential for success, Paul “Country” Francis has proven that heart and determination can be the greatest assets of all.

The lightweight jockey from Guys’ Hill, St Catherine, has consistently defied the odds throughout his profession and has carved out a highly successful career since notching his first win in the stewards’ room aboard the Kenneth Mattis-trained LSC Choice on December 4, 2002.

On Saturday, June 29, 2024, Francis achieved a remarkable milestone when he rode his 800th career winner at Caymanas Park aboard the Adrian Prince-conditioned
Another Wave in the second race.

Another Waves’ triumph came in a native-bred five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and imported five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) going 6½ furlongs.

The five-year-old bay mare won by 12 lengths ahead of Aava Jaelyn (Raddesh Roman) and Who Doneit (Tevin Foster) in a time of 1:22.3 (24.3 x 50.0 x 1:15.4).

Francis is now focused on achieving 1,000 career wins before putting away his whip.

“It’s always a good feeling to achieve something,” Francis told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“I feel very good about my 800 winners and I will continue to work hard to add a couple more hundred to that before retirement. It was a lot of ups and downs but I am still here getting the job done,” he added.

There have only been eight riders in Caymanas Park’s racing history who have won more races than Francis. Francis is ninth on the list behind Winston “Fanna” Griffiths (1,663), Trevor “Slicer” Simpson (1,505), Shane “Canterman” Ellis (1,325), Omar “Champo” Walker (1,252), Charles “Boggle Man” Hussey (1,239), Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson (1,217), Andrew “Narry” Ramgeet (1,149), and Emilo “Bimbo” Rodriquez (1,084).

“I couldn’t have reached this milestone without the help of the owners, trainers, fellow riders, grooms, family members, fans, and everyone involved in my progress. I must say thank you to all, and I am grateful for the support, guidance, and encouragement along the way,” the 47-year-old Francis said.

Despite his small stature, Francis has consistently demonstrated his ability to compete against stronger opponents, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and fans.

Francis has had a distinguished career, winning back-to-back apprentice titles in 2003 and 2004 and the award for most improved rider in 2003. He came close to winning the jockeys’ championship in 2009 but fell just one win short. However, he has achieved numerous notable successes, including winning the Derby, Lotto Classic, and Prime Minister’s Stakes aboard He’s Really Ok in 2009.

Francis is one of a few jockeys to have ridden six winners on a single programme at Caymanas Park, achieving this feat on Boxing Day 2004. He then joined a select band of riders — George HoSang, Charles Hussey, and Trevor Simpson — to have done so. Since then, Dane Nelson (2017) and Raddesh Roman (2024) have been added to the list.

Francis’ 800th win is a testament to his dedication, skill, and perseverance in the sport. He continues to be a top performer at Caymanas Park, and his achievement serves as an inspiration to young jockeys aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

“I started riding in late 2002. It was my father who brought me to the track in 1993, and that’s where my love for horses developed. My first winner was LSC Choices for Kenneth Mattis; I finished second and got first place following the disqualification of the winner,
Black Thatch, with Trevor Simpson in the saddle. I won the next race to complete a double on the day.

“Some other memorable moments during my career were the six races I won in one day, the Jamaica Derby victory along with other classic races as well as numerous big races. My career has been good, and I can’t complain,” Francis noted.

During his career, Francis has also made his mark on the international riding circuit. Francis rode at tracks including Calder Race Course in Miami, Florida; Penn National in Pennsylvania, United States; Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona; Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Canada; and Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

His first winner aboard was the Walter Bernhart-trained Sassy Sami at Calder Race Course on September 25, 2008.

According to Equibase, Francis has ridden 57 winners, 65 seconds, and 65 thirds from 552 mounts, for earnings of US$491,082.

“Every track that I went to, I won races. It was a great experience riding aboard, as I learned a lot up there and my riding skills improved,” he ended.