Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale continued its thrilling pace during Tuesday’s second session, highlighted by a colt sired by Into Mischief that fetched $3.7 million from M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm, making him the highest-priced horse of the event. Sales through the ring topped $79.6 million, with a record 23 yearlings selling for $1 million or more in a single session, bringing the total number of million-dollar horses in this auction to 41—an unprecedented figure for the first two days of the sale.
On the final day of the prestigious Book 1, Keeneland sold 111 yearlings for a total of $79,630,000, marking a 6.25% increase over last year’s second session when the same number of horses brought in $74,945,000. The average price rose by 6.25% to $717,387, while the median held steady at $550,000, matching last year’s figure for this session. Overall, after two days, 208 horses have grossed $151.4 million, a 5% rise compared to last year’s $144.2 million from 217 horses sold. The average of $727,885 marked a 9.55% increase from the previous year, and the median price of $600,000 was 9.09% higher.
Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin described the day as energetic and successful, citing strong international and domestic participation and rising prices, though she noted a slight increase in the RNA (reserve not attained) rate, indicating some sellers remained optimistic about holding onto their stock or disappointed at market outcomes. Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy observed market selectivity but expressed satisfaction with the healthy, sustainable growth in sale figures and highlighted the strong demand for offspring of young stallions like Elite Power, Cody’s Wish, and Early Voting. He also mentioned new sellers like Resolute Racing joining the sale, contributing to the excitement.
The $3.7 million colt is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner and sire Mo Town and stakes winner Justique, hailing from the family of Grade 3 winner Molta Vita. Glennwood Farm’s John Gunther praised the colt’s strength, presence, and excellent movement, expressing confidence in his new owners and relief that he would remain in the U.S.
Other top-priced yearlings included a Gun Runner colt, full brother to Grade 1 winner Locked, purchased by AMO Racing USA for $3.1 million. This colt was consigned by Eaton Sales and comes from a lineage featuring Grade 1 winner Gabby’s Golden Gal and Grade 2 winner Always a Princess. Ben McElroy, who bought the colt, praised his sire and pedigree, while Eaton’s Reiley McDonald called him an exceptional specimen with a strong, fluid stride and an excellent temperament.
A Flightline colt, full brother to the two-year-old Saratoga runner Powerline, sold for $2.6 million to Flying Dutchmen, who led buyers during the session with a $6 million total spent on five horses. This colt, consigned by Lane’s End for Summer Wind Equine, comes from stakes-winning and graded stakes-producing bloodlines.
Two yearlings each reached $1.95 million: a filly by Curlin and a colt by Justify. The filly, purchased by Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm, is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner and sire Mind Control. The Justify colt, bought by Mayberry Farm, is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Saudi Crown.
Additionally, two yearlings sold for $1.6 million: a Good Magic colt purchased by Douglas Scharbauer, related to Grade 1 winner Kingsbarns, and a Nyquist colt acquired by RTM Racing and Whisper Hill Farm, descending from a family with multiple graded stakes winners. A Gun Runner filly, bought by Lael Stable for $1.55 million, is a half-sister to recent stakes winners and comes from a strong family line.
Taylor Made Sales Agency led consignors with 24 yearlings sold for a total of $16.03 million. Two more yearlings brought $1.5 million each—a colt by Into Mischief bought by Mitsu Nakauchida and another Into Mischief colt, the first foal out of champion Goodnight Olive, purchased by a partnership including St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End Racing, and Belladonna. This latter colt was bred by Resolute Bloodstock, whose CEO Chelsea Stewart expressed pride seeing a homebred go to excellent new owners at Keeneland, their home track.
Book 2 of the September Sale is set to start Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET, with live streaming available on Keeneland’s website.
Fan Take: This exciting surge in yearling sale prices and record-breaking results are a positive sign for the Thoroughbred industry, reflecting strong demand for elite racing prospects. Such robust market enthusiasm signals a promising future for racing, breeding, and competition, energizing fans and stakeholders alike about the sport’s growth and continuity.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
