On a visit to Long Island harness tracks, Alec Ramsay owner of the famous Black and hero of the Farley stories, becomes involved in another exciting adventure with the owners of Bonfire, son of the Black and a harness-racing mare. Human problems and horse problems are swiftly paced, for when Bonfire's driver is injured it is Alex and his trainer Henry who must take over- not only to break Bonfire of his habit of bolting at the nearness of other horses but to struggle with Bonfire's sick, erratic owner Jimmy Creech. Hidebound in sulky ways, Jimmy creates many a false start before the final getaway that wins the Hambletonian in a way that satisfies them all and will satisfy horse lovers too.