Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland announce sale dates collaboration

Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland have announced that they have collaborated to establish consistent dates for future editions of their respective major-market Kentucky November mixed sales, in an effort to provide a stable schedule for buyers and consignors and to thus boost the marketplace.

The November sales occur immediately after the Breeders’ Cup, and have shifted schedule by a day or two based on that event’s rotating location, in order to allow industry participants time to travel to Kentucky from the races if needed, and to allow time for racing or broodmare prospects shipping to the sales after racing. Last fall, Fasig-Tipton’s single-session sale was held the Sunday night after Breeders’ Cup races across town at Keeneland the day prior, while the Keeneland sale began its 11-session run the day following. In 2021, when the Breeders’ Cup was held at Del Mar, the Fasig-Tipton sale took place on Tuesday, with the Keeneland sale beginning Wednesday.

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In a joint statement, the two sale companies announced that, beginning in 2024, the Fasig-Tipton November sale will be held on the first Monday following the Breeders’ Cup, and Keeneland’s November sale will begin on Tuesday. This schedule will remain in place regardless of the location of the Breeders’ Cup.

“Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton share a commitment to do what is best for the health and vibrancy of our industry,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said in a joint release. “This schedule not only provides clarity, but capitalizes on the momentum from Breeders’ Cup, maximizes the opportunity for international buyers to participate, and creates positive energy surrounding both sales. We’ve listened to the thoughtful feedback from our clients and members of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association and worked to determine an outcome that is beneficial for everyone.”

The 2024 Breeders’ Cup will be held at Del Mar on Nov. 1-2, with sites for 2025 and beyond yet to be announced.

The 2023 November sales had already been scheduled prior to Thursday’s announcement; entries for those sales are currently being accepted with an Aug. 1 deadline, although both companies review supplemental entries. Following the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on Nov. 3-4, the Fasig-Tipton November auction will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Keeneland November will open Wednesday, Nov. 8.

“Both sales companies share a vision and commitment to serve the marketplace in the most effective manner,” Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning, Jr., said in the release. “This announcement provides all industry participants a defined and consistent schedule for the November sales.”

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