Raintree is a thoroughbred horse-farm. Pete, its owner, left the Ritter family and serious debt, but Jean Ritter is determined to keep it in the family, rather then sell control to the wealthy and well-connected Ken Davis. Her invaluable horse trainer, Pablo Betart, who once has a record too, convinces her to hire a new ranch hand- it's Kris(ten) Furillo, who needs the job to convince the judge to end her detention term for car theft and resisting arrest. Her horse-skills impress everyone, from old Henry and young but extremely astute Todd Ritter to the young men on the ranch, good friends Todd Ritter and Kenny 'Junior' Davis. After their best horse comes only fourth is a high-prized race, Jean doubts whether she can hold out financially