The Sport of Kings (1920)

Barbara Leland enters her beloved horse Vivandiere in a race at Beaumont, but is warned off the course because the stewards consider the animal dangerous. Trainer Sale Kernan is suspicious of the decision, as horses owned by the shady Classon, Barbara's trustee, always seem to get the best start. When Sale voices his suspicions, however, he is warned off by the stewards, who are indeed under Classon's influence. Desiring to start anew, Sale leaves for Florida, and is surprised to find Barbara and Vivandiere aboard the same boat. A fire breaks out aboard, but Sale is able to rescue Vivandiere, and a grateful Barbara hires him as the horse's chief trainer. Although the meetings in Florida are unregistered, they are controlled by crooks working under Classon, and Vivandiere loses his first race through their influence. Sale is determined to try again, however, and the horse wins the next race. Although Vivandiere's victory is disputed, one of the judges helps Sale, and soon the crooks and Classon are exposed. Classon commits suicide, leaving Barbara bankrupt, but she gladly turns to Sale for comfort.