Black Gold

In a tragic turn of events, young Davey finds himself orphaned after the sudden death of his father, whom he had only just met. His father was murdered by a group of thieving white men, leaving Davey alone and searching for solace.

In his time of grief, Davey forms a deep bond with Charley Eagle, an Indian who has faced similar loss at the hands of white men. Together they navigate their shared pain and begin to build a friendship based on understanding and mutual support.

Charley enters his prized thoroughbred mare, Black Hope, into a race just south of the border. Despite Charley's hope for a fair competition, he is deceived by Dan Toland, who tricks him into selling the winning horse after she secures victory.

Determined to reclaim his beloved mare, Charley sneaks out under the cover of night. He returns the money he received from Toland, successfully retrieving Black Hope and bringing both her and Davey back to their modest Oklahoma ranch.

Charley’s educated wife, Sarah Eagle, sees potential in Davey and encourages him to attend school. However, Davey struggles to fit in and is relentlessly teased for his appearance, leading him to initially refuse Sarah’s kind offer.

To show her love and commitment, Sarah decides to officially adopt Davey. This heartfelt gesture encourages him to finally give school a chance, marking a significant turning point in his life and integration into the Eagle family.

A substantial opportunity arises when an oilman approaches the Eagles with an advance for drilling rights on their land. This unexpected financial boost allows Charley to purchase a thoroughbred stud from Colonel Caldwell to breed with Black Hope.

Tragedy strikes when Black Hope encounters complications after giving birth to a colt. Heartbroken, Charley is ultimately forced to put her down, casting a shadow over their newfound wealth and bringing sorrow to the family.

Following the heartbreak of losing Black Hope, the Eagles uncover a significant oil deposit on their property. This discovery, alongside the birth of Charley's new colt, named Black Gold, signifies a new era of wealth and opportunity for the family.

Following a severe injury at the oil rig, Charley becomes reliant on a cane but is determined to chase his dream of winning the prestigious Kentucky Derby. He recruits his old friend Buckey to train Black Gold, while Davey steps in as the ambitious jockey.

While training one day, an unexpected event occurs when a little goat named Beautiful crosses Black Gold's path. This startling event causes Davey to tumble off the horse, unharmed, but the fright triggers a heart attack in Charley, altering his path.

Choosing to cope with his heart condition alone, Charley decides to leave his family and camp out in solitude. In a touching scene, Sarah, Davey, and Black Gold visit him to hear his final words, showcasing the emotional struggles they endure.

The climax of their journey arrives with the Kentucky Derby, where Black Gold competes against Toland's favored horse, Corsair. Despite overwhelming odds and fierce competition, Black Gold rises to the occasion and secures a stunning victory.

As Sarah triumphantly receives the gold cup from Colonel Caldwell, she honors Charley’s memory in a poignant moment. She echoes his final words, 'She won,' encapsulating the spirit of their journey and the resilience of their family.