Owner John Deering buys Liberty Belle, a mare of fine breeding and speed, but looked upon as a cripple and an outlaw, for none of the jockeys can be tempted to mount her. One day a strange fat little fellow, one "Pudge" Hill, drifts into the Deering stable and proves that he can handle the notorious Liberty Belle to her owner's satisfaction; in fact, he seems to exert an uncanny charm over the outlaw. He is at once entrenched forever in Owner Deering's estimation. His work is to put Liberty Belle through her daily paces, while acting in the capacity of Deering's stable boy. Liberty Belle is entered in the celebrated Oaklawn Handicap, a classic event, and it is then that scheming rival forces set to work to ruin Liberty Belle's almost certain chance of winning the laurels. Ed Hovey, a scheming bookmaker, wins to his side with money, "Shang" Baker, who has a personal grievance against Owner Deering as well as against Liberty Belle, for whom he was formerly trainer. They bribe Jeff Ellis, the blacksmith, to put crooked shoes on Liberty Belle. Their scheme is discovered by "Pudge" and the discomfited tricksters determine to get him out of the way. The day of the race arrives and Nick Wells is to ride Liberty Belle. The schemers abduct Jockey Wells at the last moment and panic reigns in Deering's headquarters as the time for the start draws nearer and nearer. Meanwhile, a humble instrument works for their deliverance. "Limpy" Joe, once a successful jockey, but now a crippled hanger-on at the race track, is roughly handled by Ed Hovey. He obtains his revenge and saves the day for Deering and Liberty Bell by releasing the captive jockey, who arrives at the track in time to win the race. The schemers are baffled and ruled from the track. "Limpy" Joe is established for life in the good graces of John Deering.