Francis Goes to the Races 1951

First meeting at the Travers family horse farm

Francis the talking mule and his human sidekick Peter Sterling arrive at the Travers family horse farm and meet Colonel Travers and his granddaughter. The scene establishes a lively, horse-centered world and hints at financial trouble tied to racing. Peter begins to sense the high stakes surrounding Sudden Storm and the family operation.

Peter becomes Francis's companion at the track

Peter and Francis travel to the race track stables where Francis demonstrates his talking-to-horses ability. Peter accepts an odd-job position to earn cash and serves as a companion for Francis. The arrangement foreshadows how Francis’s talent could influence racing outcomes.

Mallory claims Sudden Storm before the big race

With the Traverses in debt, creditor Square Deal Mallory claims Sudden Storm prior to the handicap race. The move heightens the family's jeopardy and the race's importance. Peter and Frances worry about losing their asset and their farm’s future.

Frances Travers entrusts Peter with $25,000 to buy back the horse

Frances uses her life savings of $25,000 and entrusts Peter with the task of buying Sudden Storm back. Peter promises to retrieve the horse, hoping to salvage the family’s racing prospects. The moment marks a pivotal financial gamble for the Traverses.

Peter buys Oakwood Gal instead of Sudden Storm

Peter, instead of reclaiming Sudden Storm, purchases Oakwood Gal, a filly of doubtful talent. This risky choice shifts the Traverses’ racing strategy and tests Peter’s judgment. The decision introduces a new element to the family’s hopes on the track.

Francis shares tips; Peter wins seven races

Francis demonstrates his ability to communicate with horses and provides Peter valuable race tips. Acting on Francis’s guidance, Peter wins seven races in a row and repays the $25,000 to the Traverses. The winning streak attracts the attention of the Racing Commission.

Racing Commission investigates; detective shadows Peter

The Racing Commission questions where Peter’s tips came from and begins to scrutinize his methods. Racetrack detective Frank Damer starts shadowing Peter to understand the sudden success. The investigation creates mounting tension around potential race-fixing.

Mallory kidnaps Peter to fix races

Mallory kidnaps Peter and forces him to work his racetrack magic for their benefit. Without Francis’s guidance, Peter’s bets go disastrously wrong, costing gamblers a fortune. The kidnapping raises the stakes and tests the Traverses’ resilience.

Oakwood Gal attacked; Francis defends the filly

Thugs attack Oakwood Gal’s stable to injure her, but Francis leaps into action and kicks the intruders away. He is comically shot in the rear end during the chaos. The skirmish underscores Francis’s brave, if bumbling, meddling in the races.

Oakwood Gal wins the big race; Storm and Gal are siblings

Oakwood Gal clinches the big handicap by a nose over Sudden Storm. Francis reveals that Oakwood Gal and Sudden Storm are brother and sister, explaining that there was no fix. The finish vindicates the Traverses and restores some faith in the farm’s fortunes.

Commission worries; Francis retires from racing

The Racing Commission grows concerned that Francis’s talent could be exploited nationwide. Francis assures them he will give up racing, calming fears of a monopoly. The resolution signals a shift away from the track for both Francis and Peter.