What had turned started out as simple racing competition had quickly turned into a media circus with the blonde reporter from before at the head. The reporter smiled broadly. The rider Brian Marks had been brutally attacked on his way to the track by several jockeys. Some had tried to deny their involvement, but they had been caught, pink, blue and green handed by Russell Adams. The reporter frowned at the last part before smiling. Eagerly she pointed her microphone at the nearest person.

"Mr. ADAMS…..would you say that this little SCUFFLE was some sort of PLOY by Brian Marks to SABOTAGE the upcoming RACE? Or did he ACCIDENTALLY manage to DISCREDIT several of these HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY young men?"

Russell had had it. In one quick motion he yanked the microphone away from the startled lady. "These "honest" and "trustworthy" boys deliberately attacked my rider. Also these "honorable" young men attempted to steal his horse during the assault.

The reporter scowled. "You have no proof." She hissed as she reached for the microphone. Wisely Russell held it out of her reach. "I will hear no more lies from your poisoned lips." He said firmly before turning away. Russell had only taken a few steps before the reporter lunged. Her manicured nails managing to grasp the mike. Russell frowned deeply and tried to yank it back but the reporter refused to let go and smiled back nastily.

Randall Maden grinned wickedly as he accompanied the referee and the track doctor back to the medical area. This was it. All the doctor had to do was prove the paperboy unfit to compete and CRUSADER would be his once more. His smile grew as he saw Brian Marks glare at him from the bed.

"Say your Goodbyes to CRUSADER. You're DISQUALIFIED paperboy!" Randall gloated. Brian frowned darkly at the evil boy him from behind his many bruises. Ignoring the pain of his injuries he slowly sat up.

"You…. have pulled….every low down dirty trick in the book." Brian said venomously before gritting his teeth. Once the sharp pain dulled the injured rider continued. And yet you still haven't been able to take Earth Dancer from me." Brian grinned despite the pain. To everyone's shock the rookie rider who they had deemed far too weak to compete any further had slowly started to rise to his feet. "And there…is NO way I'm going to give up now!" Brian declared firmly as he slowly walked to the exit.

The track erupted as the injured rider; Brian Marks appeared with Earth Dancer in tow. The other jockeys stared at him incredulously. With his injuries, he should have been out of the competition…but yet here he was. Most had to smile at his courage. Joey Stargazer who was nearby, applauded loudly. At least until a black horse bumped hard into Star Chaser's side. Joey quickly reached for her mane.

"That aught to teach you some manners." Bruiser grunted. Unlike his other cohorts, he had escaped the color kids wrath. The blood red jockey uniform he wore suited him perfectly. Brian frowned darkly at his tormentor. "This ends now." He stated coldly before urging Earth Dancer forward. Likewise Joey did the same. Both missed the look of hatred that shone in Bruiser's pig like eyes.

Earth Dancer was led into the stall without any problems, but as it closed behind her, trapping her inside she started to panic. "It's okay Earth Dancer." Brian said calmly. The horse nickered back and Brian smiled back compassionately. "Let's just do the best we can." A toss of Earth Dancer's head showed she agreed completely.

The moment the gun sounded signifying the start of the race, it happened. A loud popping sound echoed over the track causing many of the charging horses to suddenly rear. Some had even thrown their riders in their fright. Joey and Brian frowned darkly at Bruiser. His horse had somehow been the only one unaffected by the noise.

Quickly they calm down their terrified horses and quickly raced after the cruel boy easily catching up. Bruiser waited until Brian was alongside his horse to make his move. Quickly his foot darted out and struck Earth Dancer's side. The horse as expected let out a cry of pain and she stopped.

Brian! Red Butler yelled out from the stands, his fingers reaching for his belt. Firm hands on his caused him to look up into Rainbow's sad eyes. "No Red…we can't interfere." She said quietly.

Bruiser completed the first lap and grinned wickedly as another rider came into his line of vision. Joey had guided Star Chaser far from Bruiser's reach, but Bruiser deliberately went closer, eventually forcing Star Chaser on the very edge of the track. He grinned wickedly as he bumped up against Joey.

Brian had in the meantime recovered and urged Earth Dancer forward. The brown and white horse was nothing more then a blur as she raced past the first lap. A sharp cry of pain followed by one of fear caused Brian to look up. To his horror Joey had started to fall off Star Chaser. "No!" he cried out. Earth Dancer seemed to sense the danger and ran even faster.

Brian barely made it. He grabbed Joey's hand firmly, wincing slightly as he did, but refused to let go. With his assistance, Joey is able to get back on. "That jerk cut the strap!" Joey growled. Brian frowned as well, before he looked at his friend. "Can you hold on to the end?" Joey grinned back. "Don't worry about me! Star Chaser and I can handle it! Now go catch that bully!" Brian nodded. "You got it! Come on Earth Dancer!"

Bruiser grinned broadly. The finish line was not far off and with his competition disposed of he could relax. He took a proud glance behind him and almost fell over. The paperboy was quickly catching up! The panic turned to a wicked grin and he waited.

Brian noticed the black horse ahead had started to slow down and drift towards him. Brian frowned. I'm ready for you this time. He thought mentally preparing himself. Sure enough Bruiser stuck his foot out viciously. Brian had expected it and quickly halted Earth Dancer. The result was Bruiser off balanced himself and fell from the saddle. Brian grinned broadly at the furious boy, before guiding Earth Dancer forward and across the finish line to the cheers of the crowd.

"We did it!" Brian yelled out in glee. "We did it!"