The day before the big North Salem Horse Race, Tank Robinson visits Big Red, his family's sickly elderly horse. Tank's family is the only Black family in town and their white neighbors, the Smiths, not only dug a trench between their properties, but they also gossip about them constantly. Although the Robinsons won the year before, the Smiths are convinced they cheated, leaving everything riding on the race tomorrow. The neighbor's son, Skyler, however, started sneaking over the trench to see Tank two weeks ago and now Tank can't wait for his visits. That evening, Skyler comes over and admits he's gay and that he has feelings for Tank. Tank says that he's not sure what he is, but he definitely has feelings for Skyler. They agree to meet back at midnight. When Tank gets back home, his parents sit him down and explain just how important the race tomorrow is, saying it's their way to show the racist town that they matter. They also tell Tank that they're putting Big Red down after the race. Tank is devastated. At midnight, Skyler and Tank meet up. They talk and kiss for the first time. Tank is worried about what he'll tell his deeply religious parents. The next morning, as Tank's parents load the trailer, Tank walks over to Skyler's house. They talk and kiss some more until they have to leave for the race. At the race, Tank lines up with Lima Bean, their fastest horse, and gets ready for the starting gun shot. The gun goes off and the race begins. Tank can't help but think about Big Red's imminent death, crying as he rides the course. Skyler and Tank are neck and neck, and as the finish line approaches, Tank holds Lima Bean back. Skyler Smith wins the race. Skyler, trophy in hands, walks over to Tank's parents. He hands them the trophy and then the boys admit they kissed. Tank's parents are shocked and Skyler's parents try to haul him away, threatening to send him to his grandparents. Tank holds tight to Skyler's hand and they walk together to the competitor group photo.