Diane Head

Opal and the Great Steeplechase Race Diane Head

"This is a bad idea, Sam," Timothy began, pulling the cinch tight under Lucifer's belly. "He's not your horse, and if anything happens to him . . ."

"I don't need your help, mule man." Sam spit in the dirt.

"Sure." Timothy stepped away from the magnificent horse and walked to Opal. Taking a handful of mane in his hand, he swung up on her back easily. "Let's get going, then."

Sam gulped. "Come on, guys," he said, motioning his friends to take the reins as Lucifer tossed his head and rolled his eyes.



In a small town in South Carolina, a young boy named Timothy has big dreams. Working in a stable with horses, Timothy watches the amazing steeplechase races that occur every summer, and hopes to one day be a part of them. Until then, he has his mule, Opal, to imagine with.

But one day, a bet is placed, and Timothy and Opal have to prove that even a mule can compete like a racehorse. With a week to prepare and train, they have an uphill battle-sometimes literally-and it becomes more than a simple race against Timothy's bully.