Keeneland formulating COVID-19 measures for September sale
For more than three-quarters of a century, the world has descended upon Keeneland for its September yearling sale, considered the bellwether for the North American marketplace. The sale has successfully come through turmoil in recent years, including the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which temporarily paused the auction, and the 2008 market crash and a subsequent recovery. But now, the auction must contend with a global pandemic the likes of which has not been seen in its time.
With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to develop and COVID-19 cases on the rise in a number of states, including Kentucky, Keeneland issued an update this week on its biosecurity preparations, including mandatory testing.
:: DRF BREEDING LIVE: Real-time coverage of breeding and sales
While Keeneland does plan to host a physical sale in Lexington, Ky., beginning Sept. 13, the company is expanding its remote-bidding capabilities for those unable or unwilling to attend the auction in person, with a wide slate of developing travel restrictions and advisories in place for those traveling between states or countries. In addition to expanding its traditional phone-bidding program, Keeneland unveiled an online bidding platform earlier this summer, which will be integrated with live bidding at future auctions.
“While Keeneland is excited to unveil our full portfolio of remote-bidding options, we continue to work closely with state and federal government officials, including representatives of both Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Andy Barr, to seek exceptions to allow international travelers to attend the September sale,” Keeneland’s president-elect Shannon Arvin, who also is serving as interim vice president of sales, said in a company update this week. “Just as we have done for 80-plus years, Keeneland will exhaust every measure possible to bring the world to Keeneland.”
Keeneland also announced this week that proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous five days will need to be presented upon arrival at the sale grounds. If a participant does not have proof of a negative test, testing will be offered on-site. Final details will be available in the coming weeks.