The Keeneland September Yearling Sale maintained its strong momentum on Wednesday as it entered its third day, marking the start of the Book 2 catalog. The session’s top-priced horse was a Nyquist colt purchased for $2.25 million by Kimmel/Sallusto on behalf of Alex and JoAnn Lieblong. This price is the highest seen on a Day 3 since the auction adopted its current two-day Book 1 and two-day Book 2 format in 2021.
Notably, the Nyquist colt was among 14 yearlings sold for $1 million or more during the session, setting a new record for the number of seven-figure sales on Day 3. The total through-the-ring sales for 209 yearlings reached $89,535,000. Compared to the same session last year, this total rose by 4.47% from $85,702,000, with the average price climbing 10.47% to $428,397, though the median price dipped slightly by 4.62% to $310,000. The previous record for million-dollar yearlings sold this session was 13, set last year.
Over the first three days of the event, 417 horses have been sold for $240,935,000, marking a 4.81% increase from last year’s $229,887,000 for 438 yearlings. The average price increased by 10.08% to $577,782, and the median also rose by nearly 6% to $450,000. With nine sessions still to come, 55 horses have already crossed the million-dollar mark, just one shy of the sale’s all-time record of 56 set in 2025.
Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy described the day as “really solid” and “incredible,” highlighting the competitive nature among buyers striving for standout horses, which rewarded breeders well. Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach noted a slightly higher RNA (reserve not attained) rate, suggesting some buyers faced challenges securing their top choices, but overall, the market remains very strong.
Wednesday’s highest-priced colt came from the Taylor Made Sales Agency draft. This Nyquist colt, out of the Bernardini mare Hot Cha and related to champions like Xtra Heat as well as graded stakes winners Scalding and Hot and Sultry, impressed buyers. Alex Lieblong remarked, “He just stood out” and joked about hoping the payment clears smoothly.
Bred in Kentucky by Fred W. Hertrich III and John D. Fielding, the colt’s sale far exceeded expectations. Duncan Taylor of Taylor Made praised the preparation by Watercress Farm, recognizing the colt’s exceptional presence and calm demeanor.
Other notable sales included a $2 million Into Mischief colt from Stonehaven Steadings, purchased by Legion Bloodstock, and a $1.1 million Flightline colt also consigned by Stonehaven Steadings. Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbreds secured a Flightline colt out of Velvet Sky for $1.85 million, a figure that impressed breeder Killora Stud’s Aidan Jennings, who acknowledged it exceeded their expectations.
RTM Racing bought a $1.75 million Nyquist colt out of Bernardini mare Sibaaq from Claiborne Farm, highlighting the strength of the Nyquist-Bernardini cross. AMO Racing USA acquired a $1.65 million Up to the Mark colt from Nursery Place, a half-brother to Group 1 winner Ruling Court. Mayberry Farm paid $1.55 million for a Gun Runner filly consigned by Farfellow Farms, setting a new personal sales record for the Knelman family.
Other significant purchases included a $1.5 million Into Mischief colt by Spendthrift Farm and Epic Horses and several high-priced colts and fillies bought by top buyers, including Douglas Scharbauer, who spent nearly $4 million for five yearlings.
Gainesway was the top consignor with $10.89 million in sales from 29 horses. The sale will continue Thursday with the second session of Book 2 at 11 a.m. ET and will proceed through 12 sessions until September 26, broadcast live on Keeneland.com.
Fan Take: This sale’s impressive figures and record-setting high prices highlight the ongoing strength and vitality of the thoroughbred racing industry, signaling robust interest and investment in future champions. For horse racing enthusiasts, these top-tier yearlings represent the next generation of potential stars that could electrify the sport and ignite fans’ passion in the years ahead.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
