Corrie Ortiz dreams of becoming a jockey in the predominantly male sport of Thoroughbred horse racing. Although her father died in a racing-related accident, Corrie is driven to achieve her goal despite her mother’s feelings against it. Corrie also has the gift her grandmother calls the "confidence of horses" which allows her to talk to horses. And she uses this talent to help her horse, Thunderjam, overcome his fears of racing and go all the way to the California Derby.