Keeneland September sale passes $500 million in total sales with two sessions remaining

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Keeneland September yearling sale surpassed $500 million in total gross sales for the first time in its history with Thursday’s session as it eyes a record finish this weekend.

Through 10 of 12 sessions, representing the first five books of the mammoth catalog, Keeneland reported that 2,373 yearlings had sold for gross receipts of $500,230,000. At this same point of last year’s sale, 2,326 had brought $405,519,500. Both sets of figures include only horses sold through the ring, not yet accounting for private sales on the grounds that will be factored into official results.

“Surpassing $500 million at the September sale marks a pivotal moment for our sport – a milestone the entire industry can celebrate together,” Keeneland president Shannon Arvin said. “This is a powerful testament to the health of the sport, and it reflects the remarkable energy, optimism, and momentum we’ve been experiencing together across this entire sale.”

The cumulative average price currently sits at $210,801, up 21 percent from this point last year, when, through 10 sessions and five books, the average was $174,342. The median is up a stellar 27 percent, sitting at $120,000 compared to $95,000. The cumulative buyback rate is steady at 24 percent.

The 2024 edition of Keeneland September ultimately finished with records for gross – which this sale has already shattered – average, and median.

Keeneland rebranded the final four days of this year’s sale as Book 5A and 5B, rather than Books 5 and 6 as in recent years, to reflect what they felt was more concentrated quality in the yearling crop. While it remains to be seen how Book 5B will stack up against the traditional Book 6, Book 5A performed very well, with the top of its relative marketplace strong.

Last year’s Book 5 was topped by a $350,000 yearling, with three horses selling at or above $200,000. This year, a $460,000 Liam’s Map colt sold on Thursday led Book 5A, with four horses meeting or exceeding $200,000. The two Book 5A sessions were up 14 percent and 26 percent in average, compared to their respective 2024 counterparts, and up 14 percent and 15 percent in median.

Books 4 and 5 often represent a changeover in buyers from the high-octane earlier days of the sale. That has certainly been the case this year, with prominent buyers over the last few days including pinhooking operations such as De Meric Sales, Grassroots Training and Sales, Hartley/DeRenzo, Highlander, Jesse Hoppel, Kings Equine, and Pick View very active after being unable to make much of a dent earlier. Buyers from various international jurisdictions have moved in, including the Korea Racing Authority, which has purchased 19 horses over the last few days.

However, showing the continued demand for quality, some buyers who were active at the top of the marketplace have continued to shop. Albaugh Family Stables, Bradley Thoroughbreds, Case Clay Thoroughbred Management, Donato Lanni, and Pin Oak Stud, all of which made purchases for $900,000 or more in the first two books, made purchases in Books 4 and 5, along with a number of well-known trainers.

The book-topping Liam’s Map colt was purchased by Chad Schumer, as agent, from the consignment of Ashview Farm, as agent.

The colt, an April foal, is the second foal out of the El Padrino mare Introduced, a three-time stakes winner.

For hip-by-hip results, click here.

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