New York City
On the eve of the Civil War when black jockeys, though slaves, dominated the sport of horse racing, Simon Cato consistently wins riding prize thoroughbred Pure Confidence. Brash, smart and funny, Simon plans to use his success to buy his freedom from slavery. With a vivid backdrop of fast horses, gritty racetracks and high stakes betting, Pure Confidence is an extraordinary tale of human triumphs and failings that explores the true meaning of freedom.