Jim Squires

Editor of the Chicago Tribune from 1981-89, Jim Squires has been a Thoroughbred breeder since 1977. Since 1990, he has bred horses in Kentucky and operates Two Bucks Farm, where he resides with his wife, Mary Anne. Among his successes as a Thoroughbred breeder was 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.

The outspoken Squires has just released his latest book, “Headless Horsemen: A Tale of Chemical Colts, Subprime Sales Agents, and the Last Kentucky Derby on Steroids.” In promotional materials for the book, Henry Holt and Company Publishers of New York wrote:

“Jim Squires guides us through the carefully guarded world of horseracing and reveals how a clannish group of industry insiders has presided over a subprime-like bubble to rival any Wall Street has ever produced. “Squires, best known in the industry for breeding 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, tackles the issues that have plagued thoroughbred racing for years but have most recently come into public focus following the Eight Belles tragedy. He makes inquiries into performance enhancing drugs, the growth of the unstable ’sales horse,’ corrupt industry business tactics, and the general lack of industry leadership. Along the way, Squires offers his own ideas on how the sport of kings might be saved. It is a must read for anyone discussing the state of Thoroughbred racing today.”

In addition to his latest book, Squires is the author of three other books, including “Horse of a Different Color,” which recounts the breeding and success of Monarchos.

Squire will be the featured guest on bloodhorse.com’s Talkin’ Horses podcast scheduled for Tuesday, August 18. Questions will be taken until 5 p.m. Monday, August 17.