Every evening on their way from school, Billy Silver and his sister Cassie walked the long, plain trail to the town. As the siblings plodded along, they would pass small country homes much like their own, but one farm always caught their attention. Mr. Bill’s Blue Ribbon Racing Stables kept the best horses in all of Evervale. When Billy and Cassie passed this farm, they would visit their best friend, the racehorse Captain’s Gold. However, no Captain waited eagerly for their treats and pets today. Instead, he was at the market.
“I can’t believe Mr. Ben is selling Captain!” moaned Cassie.
“I told you before,” Billy sighed. “Captain was nothing more than a racehorse to old Ben. Since his injury he hasn’t been winning Mr. Ben money.”
Cassie set her lips in a thin line and turned her gaze to their father’s crop fields, ruined from the recent storm.
“C’mon Billy. Dinner’s gonna be ready soon,” said Cassie, flying off at a run.
That night while Billy read his book, he glimpsed his father and mother in the kitchen. They debated in hushed tones, one of them waving a pile of bills in the air. His heart sank as he recalled the event from the previous week. His parents walking sadly into the living room. Their hesitant pause as they announced their plan to move to the city. Sadness engulfing Cassie’s face.
Billy snapped back to the present when Cassie burst into the room gasping, “I know how to save the house!” She shoved a flier in Billy’s face which read: For Sale! Captain, pedigree racehorse.
“You gotta be kidding!” exclaimed Billy.
“Just think about it! We could pay off the bills with the winner’s prize! Plus, I know we’ve both dreamed about racing our own horse,” retorted Cassie.
At the idea of owning his own horse, Billy’s heart leapt, his eyes darted from his parents to the picture in his hand. The excitement of a kid whose dream might come true took over, and setting his jaw, Billy quickly hopped up from the chair and headed straight for the kitchen.
“But do you really—” their mother shut her mouth as Billy marched into the room.
“Cassie and I know how to save the house.” His cheeks flared red as he realized that sounded silly. Cassie stepped forward.
“What he’s trying to say is that we have an idea.”
Their parents looked doubtful.
“Mr. Ben’s racehorse is for sale—what if we race him? The winner’s award would be enough to repair the crop fields.” She paused. “Dad, you’re a vet, you can help his foot heal. It’s our best bet.”
Silence.
“Sweetie—It’s a nice idea but it’s just not possible. Your dad would agree with me.” Everyone turned their gaze to Mr. Silver.
“It would be a long shot. It would be expensive—” he paused. “Still, neither of us wants to move to the city, so why don’t we try it?”
Their mother frowned and looked out the window and across the disheveled crop fields. She heaved a great big sigh and said, “Oh, I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this but—let’s try.”
Before their father changed his mind, he rushed off to buy Captain. He found the horse standing in a small stall, looking neglected and sad. After some haggling, Mr. Silver bought Captain. Weeks of hard work lay before them, but everyone faced it confidently. The time inched by, week by week, until the night of the race finally came. When they arrived at the racetrack, Captain pranced as if he could sense the tension in the air. Billy and Cassie hugged their horse before heading up to the stands, proud to sit in the owners section. The horses filed into the starting gates; neighing and stamping their feet, their bodies tight as a bowstring. Dressed in red, the jockey astride Captain set his eyes on the finish line, sweat dripping down his temples. Pow! The green gates opened and the horses shot out like missiles.
“Leading the race is Black Comet!” cried the commentator. “Behind him runs Whirling Speed and on his tail is Captain!”
“Go Captain!” yelled Cassie.
Responding to the enthusiastic crowd, Captain surged forward and came up beside Whirling Speed. The pounding of hooves echoed throughout the stands as the horses thundered around the corner. Horses battled for the lead, but Black Comet remained in front. Whirling Speed’s shining flanks glistened with perspiration and he slowed. Captain needed no further encouragement; lengthening his stride, he galloped past.
“Captain has rocketed forward and is neck and neck with Black Comet! They’re approaching the final sprint—Captain is gaining the lead!”
Throwing their popcorn high into the air, the kids roared with joy—-but their voices caught in their throats even as they celebrated victory. Suddenly, Black Comet drew up alongside Captain and pushed against him, knocking the horse off balance and causing him to lose his footing. Captain’s previously injured foot buckled and he began to fall. Everyone held their breath and even the commentator fell silent. Watching in horror, the encouraging cries of the children escalated. A fire flared in Captain’s eyes. Without moments to lose, he whipped his legs forward and caught himself. Dashing forward, Captain sprinted and drew up beside Black Comet. The horses’ muscles bulged as they charged forward.
“Captain has pulled off a remarkable comeback! He’s taking the lead!”
Only forty meters away from the finish Captain made one final push, barreling ahead and across the finish line twenty meters in front of Black Comet!
“Wow! Captain wins!” bellowed the commentator.
Racing down from the stands and into the winners circle, Billy and Cassie bombarded Captain with an assault of hugs and kisses. Hurrying happily down after them, their parents lifted the kids onto the racehorse’s back. Everyone laughed when Captain nudged the blue hat off the commentator’s head. In the years to come, Captain retired from racing and instead he galloped in the green, sloping pastures of the countryside with his family.