Patrick McCardle: (Zac Efron) The son of a former baseball player, 15-year-old Patrick is expected to be a baseball star one day. The trouble his, he doesn't like baseball. When an opportunity arises, Patrick works up the courage to tell his dad the truth - that he wants to race in the Derby Cup.
Patrick is a good kid with a lot of integrity. He is honest and tries to give people a chance. Patrick is not just good with people, though, he is very good with horses too. His connection with his horse Rusty allows him to learn to race like a pro in a very short amount of time. He also relies on help from his friends Houston and Jill.
Jill Overton: (Crystal Hunt) The Overton's are new in town, but it doesn't take Jill long to find out who the good guys and the bad guys are. She quickly snubs the mean rich jerk, Randy, and befriends Patrick McCardle and Houston Jones.
A hard-working, generous person, Jill kindly offers to help Houston run the produce stand while he trains Patrick to ride. Jill stands up for what is right, even in the face of peer pressure, and she helps other characters remember to do the right thing. She also gives Patrick quite the kiss during one scene in the movie.