Jarret Lewis is a young Black man born into slavery in Kentucky in 1850. He is kind, compassionate, and intelligent, but he is also forced to work long hours in the fields and endure the cruelty of his masters. One day, Jarret is tasked with caring for a newborn foal. He names the foal Lexington, and the two quickly form a strong bond. Jarret sees Lexington's potential and trains him to become a champion racehorse.
Lexington is a natural athlete, quickly becoming one of the country's best racehorses. He wins many races, and he becomes a national icon. Lexington's victories are a source of pride for the Black community but also remind them of the injustice that Black people face.
In 1861, the Civil War broke out. Lexington is sold to a Confederate general and used in the war effort. He is wounded in battle, but he is eventually returned to Jarret. After the war, Lexington and Jarret are reunited and live together in peace. Lexington dies at the age of 30 and is buried in a cemetery for Black horses.
The novel then shifts to the present day, where a young woman named Jess works as a scientist at the Smithsonian Institution. She is tasked with studying the skeleton of a racehorse found in the museum's collection. Jess is surprised that the skeleton belongs to Lexington, and she becomes determined to learn more about his story.
Jess's research takes her back to the 19th century, where she meets Jarret and learns about his relationship with Lexington. Jarret's story inspires Jess, and she is determined to help him get the recognition he deserves.
The novel ends with Jess and Jarret reunited. They are both old and frail but still filled with love and hope. They are a reminder that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can still triumph.
