Glassblower Gerard Logan is faced with a threat to his business, his courage, and his life when he comes to the attention of a gang of thugs who are searching for an incriminating videotape entrusted to Logan by his friend, jockey Martin Stukely, who was unexpectedly killed in a riding accident.

Free choice? According to architect, engineer, and jobbing builder Lee Morris, there's no such thing. Choice is preordained by personality, of that the young entrepreneur is sure. Then he becomes involved with Stratton Park racecourse, which faces ruin at the hands of the combative clan that wholly owns it. Connected with but not related to any of the family's warring factions, he nonetheless is drawn into the fray -- reluctant, yet attracted by compulsions...

On the first day of Royal Ascot, the world's most famous horse race, the crowd rejoices in a string of winning favorites. Ned Talbot has worked all his life as a bookmaker -- taking over the family business from his grandfather -- so he knows not to expect any sympathy from the punters as they count their winnings, and he his losses. He's seen the ups and downs before -- but, as the big gambling conglomerates muscle in on small concerns like his,...

In his role as an undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, Jeff Hinkley is approached by a multi-time champion jockey to discuss the delicate matter of losing races on purpose. Little does he know that the call will set off a lethal chain of events, including the apparent suicide of the jockey and an attempt on Hinkley's own life. Never one to leave suspicious events alone, Hinkley begins investigating the jockey and the races...