Keeneland September facts and famous graduates

Fast facts

When: Sept. 11-24

Where: Keeneland Association sale pavilion, 4201 Versailles Rd., Lexington, Ky., 40510

Phone: (859) 254-3412 or (800) 456-3412

Yearlings: 4,319, down from last year’s 4,857

What’s new: The auction’s two select sessions, cataloged as Book 1, will take place at night instead of the daytime on Sept. 11-12, starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. Book 2 comprises 935 horses selling Sept. 13-15 in continuous daily sessions starting at 11 a.m. After a dark day Friday, Sept. 16, the auction resumes with horses selling through Sept. 24 in continuous daily sessions starting at 10 a.m.

Recent history: The 2010 sale reversed a downward trend as yearling supply fell and met curtailed demand better than in recessionary years. In 2010, 3,059 yearlings sold for $198,254,900, up 3 percent from 2009 in spite of the smaller catalog. Average gained 7 percent to $64,810, and median rose 14 percent to $25,000. The sale-topper was a $4.2 million A. P. Indy-Balance colt bought by Besilu Stables from the Mill Ridge agency.

Watch live: Online at www.keeneland.com.

Famous grads

The three classic winners of 2011 were all purchased at the 2009 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Animal Kingdom
Kentucky Derby
Hip 632
Leroidesanimaux (Brz) – Dalicia (Ger), by Acatenango (Ger)
Price: $100,000 (Team Valor International)

Shackleford
Preakness Stakes
Hip 193
Forestry – Oatsee, by Unbridled
RNA: $275,000 (Michael Lauffer and W.D. Cubbedge)

Ruler on Ice
Belmont Stakes
Hip 988
Roman Ruler – Champagne Glow, by Saratoga Six
Price: $100,000 (George and Lori Hall)