When Billboy, international showjumper and winner of the Hickstead Derby, is found dead in his stable with his throat cut it is just the beginning of a cruel extortion campaign against one of the owners at Oakley Manor yard. Ross Wakelin, an American rider, has come to England hoping for a fresh start after a horrific showjumping accident in the States. It doesn't augur well when he is drawn into the investigation surrounding Billboy. More ominously, the extortionist makes it clear that Ross's involvement is distinctly unwelcome. To make life even harder, Ross hasn't reckoned on the ill-will of some of his colleagues at the yard and his detractors in the incestuous world of equestrianism, who seem bent on sabotaging his reputation. And as Ross begins to close in on the truth, he finds that the extortionist is prepared to go to any lengths to destroy him, and knows exactly where to strike...