Keeneland to provide video of Book 1 and Book 2 yearlings at September sale

Keeneland will utilize its video capabilities to support consignors and buyers for its September yearling sale in the event that COVID-19 impacts the physical inspection of yearlings or attendance at the sale, the company announced in a recent update on its operations.

Keeneland said that its broadcast services team will coordinate digital inspections for all yearlings scheduled to sell in the marquee Book 1 and Book 2 portions of the sale. Footage will be captured at farms during the sale prep period in order to produce consistent and quality video representations of each yearling, which will be accessible online for potential buyers. The Keeneland team also will provide support to consignors and owners of yearlings in Books 3 through 6 who wish to record videos or photos of yearlings independently.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to buyers and sellers and are leveraging every asset at Keeneland to provide the best-in-class sales experience you are accustomed to with Keeneland auctions – even in a changing selling environment,” Keeneland vice president of racing and sales Bob Elliston said in the update.

The Keeneland September yearling sale is scheduled to run from Sept. 14-26, and the company has said multiple times over the past month that it plans to hold the sale on schedule. In a previous update on Keeneland operations, Elliston said that company also was working to expand its remote-bidding capabilities.

“We will have contingencies in place to make sure that wherever you are, and whatever means of communication you use, you will be able to bid on a horse,” Elliston said. “Keeneland has been developing in this space for some time, even before the COVID-19 crisis hit. While plans are in place to conduct this year’s sales in our traditional live format, we must have measures in place to expand all bidding opportunities, especially in the event that physical participation is impacted. From phone and internet bidding to expanded digital capabilities, we are excited to share these plans with you in the coming weeks.”