Keeneland recorded impressive gross sales totaling $71,770,000 during the lively opening session of the September Yearling Sale on Monday. The session was highlighted by the $2.8 million purchase of a Gun Runner colt by RTM Racing, with an unprecedented 18 horses selling for $1 million or more—the highest number for a sale’s first day since 2005.
A total of 97 horses sold through the ring, generating sales that were up 3.65% compared to last year’s session, which grossed $69,240,000 for 106 horses. The average price rose 13.27% from $653,208 to $739,897, while the median price increased 16.28%, reaching $625,000 from $537,500. In comparison, 15 yearlings fetched over $1 million during the first session in 2025.
Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin described the opening as “great,” noting the energetic crowd filling the Sales Pavilion—the busiest since the 2022 sale that included the Flightline interest. Arvin emphasized the strong and varied market, with 14 of the top lots coming from 13 different consignors and solid participation from both domestic and Japanese buyers, along with some fresh faces, all contributing to an encouraging start.
Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy praised the vibrant market, highlighting breeders like John and Tanya Gunther of Glennwood Farm who enjoyed success with the $1.9 million sale of a half-brother to Triple Crown winner Justify. He noted the pride in seeing breeders recoup their investment through such sales.
The top lot, consigned by Four Star Sales, is a colt out of Grade 3 winner Twenty Carat by Into Mischief, hailing from a family that includes Breeders’ Cup champions Shared Account and Sharing. Mahmud Mouni, who bought the colt for RTM Racing, expressed excitement and surprise over the price, explaining the colt’s full brother is trained by Chad Brown and aims for the Kentucky Derby. Mouni remarked on the booming market, observing how yearlings often sell for double their expected prices due to high quality pedigrees and conformation.
Four Star’s Kerry Cauthen felt the final price was fair, noting the reserve was set at $1 million and expectations had ranged close to $2 million.
Other notable buyers included M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm, who spent $5.2 million on three yearlings, with their top purchase being a $2.3 million Gun Runner colt, a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Colonel Liam. Darby Dan Farm consigned this colt. Magnier praised the strong market and Keeneland’s efforts to attract international buyers. John Phillips of Darby Dan expressed delight as the colt met rising price expectations and reflected on the colt’s pedigree, which has been in the family for five generations.
Gun Runner sired seven of the twelve yearlings that sold for $1.3 million or more during the session. J.S. Company paid $2.1 million for a Not This Time colt related to Grade 1 winner and sire Tapit Trice. Gainesway led all consignors with total sales of $12.75 million for 19 yearlings.
Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbreds purchased a half-brother to Justify for $1.9 million, consigned by Glennwood Farm. Tanya Gunther shared mixed feelings of pride and regret over selling such a remarkable colt. Glennwood had sold Justify himself for $500,000 at the 2016 September Sale.
Other highlights included a $1.7 million Flightline colt bought by J.S. Company, and three horses that sold for $1.5 million each. Among these was a Not This Time colt brought by Robert and Lawana Low, consigned by Airdrie Stud Raised and Offered, praised for excellent conformation and a strong pedigree. Magnier’s White Birch also paid $1.5 million for a Gun Runner colt, a half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Paradise Woods, consigned by Lane’s End. Allaire Ryan of Lane’s End noted the colt’s consistent quality and class.
Windancer Farm Holdings spent $1.5 million on a filly from Uncle Mo’s final crop, whose full brother and half-brother are both Grade 2 winners. She was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency on behalf of WinStar Farm.
The sale’s second session, part of Book 1, is set to begin Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET and runs through Saturday, September 16. The event is streamed live on Keeneland’s website.
Fan Take: This surge in yearling prices and the strong international interest signals a robust future for horse racing, reflecting confidence in the sport’s breeding and competition levels. For racing fans, these high-profile purchases could translate into thrilling rivalries and memorable performances on the track in coming years.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
