While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. When the ship tragically sinks both he and the horse survive only to be stranded on a deserted island. Alec befriends the horse, so when finally rescued both return to his home where they soon meet Henry Dailey, a once successful trainer. Together they begin training The Black to race against the fastest horses in the world.

The Black was portrayed by a champion Arabian stallion from Texas named Cass-Ole; his friend, the old white horse named Napoleon, was portrayed by Junior - who had previously appeared in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) as Trooper, Niedermeyer's horse.

[first lines]


Alec Ramsey:
Dad... you know what I saw? It's the most fantastic thing... come look!


Mr. Ramsey:
[to the other poker players] My son.


Mr. Ramsey:
Hey! Look, son, I'll tell you, I'm really busy, but... I'll tell you what I do need. I need some good luck.

Continuity: The layout of the cards in the solitaire game Henry is playing while talking to Alec changes from shot to shot.