The Ballylally racecourse faces closure until the unexpected arrival of a major sponsor on the scene, the Guinness Brewery. R. B Hickstead, the colourful 24 stone marketing director at the brewery, announces that he is going to sponsor a new race, a four and a half miles steeplechase rivaling the Aintree Grand National.It will be called the Ballylally Challenge. Horses from all over Ireland and England will compete for a massive purse.

There is extensive publicity for the venture and an Indian prince arrives at the local training stables.The prince has a grudge against the Guinness family and wants revenge. Winning the race and taking the Guinness prize money will be some compensation for past wrongs.