TOP APPRENTICE Paul 'Country' Francis ticked off his 100th career win at Caymanas Park on Wednesday in most unusual fashion.

He did so in a dead-heat aboard the 2-1 chance FROMAJACKTOAKING in the ninth race (high claiming) over 1100 metres. Never far of the pace as 8-5 favourite THE BARBARIAN made most, FROMAJACKTOAKING got up in the nick of time share the spoils with 10-1 shot RED BOOTLACES on the inside.

Significantly, three of his 100 winners have come in a dead heat, an unprecedented feat for an apprentice.

The others were AFFIRMATION and MARVELOUS MINISTER. A fourth horse, SPIRIT OF JAMAICA was also involved in a dead-heat with I'MSATISFIED in July of last year, but was subsequently disqualified by the Stewards.

AFFIRMATION went by in a dead-heat with ZULU PRINCESS and MARVELOUS MINISTER with NOTHING PERSONAL.

A product of the Jockeys' School, Francis started riding in December, 2002. His first winner (from his first ride) came in unusual circumstances.

His mount, L.S.C. CHOICE finished a well beaten second to the Trevor Simpson-ridden BLACK THATCH, only to be awarded first place on the disqualification of the filly.

He has never looked back, becoming the first from the class of 2002 to reach 100 winners.

Francis, who relinquished his 2.0kg claiming allowance last month, capped the Most Improved Rider and Champion Apprentice awards of 2003 by virtue of having finished second in the standings to Trevor Simpson with over 60 winners. He celebrated his 27th birthday late last month.