Long-legged and powerful, Wes Lane's palomino leads Red Thornton's black by barely a length. As Red's horse quickens, its legs bunching close to its belly, Wes slams his quirt down with every gallop. The black runs steady, advancing until it's nose is even with the palominos...

In the race as in life, cousins Red and Wes are bitter rivals--Wes the spoiled heir of the sprawling White Willow Ranch and Red the son of a humble rancher. In the heat of an argument Wes is poised tomurder an unconcious Red, but in panic, kills the onlooking barkeep instead. Red awakens to find himself framed for Wes' crime and is quickly sentenced and set off to Yuma.