After a young boy named Alec and a horse are washed ashore on a deserted island from a shipwreck that killed his father, the orphaned boy and the animal soon form an inseparable bond. The pair are rescued and Alec becomes determined to turn “The Black” into a racehorse with the help of a grizzled old trainer (Mickey Rooney). Alec’s connection with the horse brings him solace, helping him deal with his grief for his father.