Jim Squires

Squires is a former long time executive editor of the Chicago Tribune who retires and moves to Kentucky to begin breeding thoroughbred horses - one of which became Monarchos who won the Kentucky Derby in 2001. Squires wrote the book in a hilarious self-depreciating manner that really carried the book at times - as the world of racing horses is a bizarre, sometimes backward world of odd characters, rules and money. The Thoroughbred business is home to some ridiculous egos who burn thru money show more like it's Kleenex trying to find the next winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Squires was about to give up his new enterprise after a few lean years and several losing investments in horses when he stumbled upon Monarchos' dam - Maria's Mon, who gives birth to several successful horses. What amazed me was simply how much money was thrown around at horse auctions long before any of the 3 year old compete in the Triple Crown races. Think of a free agent pool, where the horse's parental lineage and health records are the high school & college draft numbers where the owners bid astronomical sums before ever watching the horse stretch it's legs on a track. The run-up to the Kentucky Derby is filled with all kinds of prep races and stakes races and the media hype begins long before May arrives. Squires also talks about once he sold his horse what happens after as he is a hapless bystander as his colt prepares and races in the Kentucky Derby. It's a really funny book, I found it enjoyable - it's not a terribly long book and it flies right by. It bounces back and forth between a husband and wife trying to run a small Kentucky farm while cheering on one of their horses on the world's biggest stages. show less

Jim Squires is a charming raconteur with a tale of rage to pass on about the practices of the modern thoroughbred industry. You'll laugh out loud at his easy style, and want to sip a scotch with him. Full disclosure, I have. He is a friend and contributor to the New York Times The Rail Blog. Don't hold either against him, and you'll enjoy a wonderful read.

The author's self-deprecating humor made this an entertaining read.

horse racing did it to itself. not a whole lot of sympathy for those guys.