On Thursday, the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale held its third session out of nine, selling 201 horses for a total of $38,483,000. This brought the overall sales through the ring to $173,947,000, marking a 5.98% increase compared to the same period last year.
The highest-priced horse of the day was Royal Slipper, a 5-year-old winning daughter of Uncle Mo, who sold for $900,000 to Mike Repole’s Repole Stable. Royal Slipper, carrying a foal by the champion first-season sire Fierceness, is a full sister to Grade 1 winner Bast and comes from a family that includes several other graded stakes winners. Repole has an established connection to both Uncle Mo and Fierceness, having raced and bred these champions.
Overall, 563 horses have been sold during the Keeneland November sale so far, with an average price of $308,964—a 12.20% increase over last year—while the median price remains steady at $190,000. This year, 24 horses have sold for $1 million or more, compared to 18 in 2025.
During Thursday’s second and final day of Book 2, gross sales through the ring dipped 12.59% from last year’s session, totaling less than $44 million. However, the average price rose nearly 4% to $191,458, even as the median dropped slightly to $150,000.
Tony Lacy, Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales, shared insights from buyers, noting that competition was fierce for sought-after horses, making it challenging to secure top picks. However, when horses met expectations, sales were strong, giving the day an energetic feeling. Buyers remain discerning and targeted, with active international participation, notably from Japanese buyers focused on their specific needs.
Cormac Breathnach, Keeneland’s Senior Director of Sales Operations, remarked on the market’s selectivity, highlighting a steady and strong mare market and mixed results in the weanling category. Despite this, he noted plenty of lively bidding battles, reflecting concentrated interest in certain horses and energizing sales activity.
Other notable sales Thursday included Madame Secretary, a 4-year-old Constitution mare in foal to Sierra Leone, who sold for $710,000 to Ashview Farm. Two horses each fetched $700,000: stakes winner Lithe Spirit, purchased by Green Lantern Stables/Patrick Masson, and a Life Is Good colt bought by Hartley/De Renzo. The leading buyer of the day was MWG LLC, acquiring five horses for $1,735,000, while Taylor Made Sales Agency led consignors with sales of $6,045,000 across 30 horses.
The November Breeding Stock Sale continues through Wednesday, November 11, with sessions starting daily at 10 a.m. ET. On Thursday, November 12, Keeneland will hold the November Horses of Racing Age Sale at noon. All sales are available for live streaming on Keeneland.com.
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on Nov. 6, 2026.
Fan Take: This update highlights the resilience and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred market, showing that while buyers are more selective, there’s still significant investment in quality bloodstock—crucial for maintaining the sport’s competitive edge. For horse racing enthusiasts, these sales signal the ongoing evolution of the industry and the importance of breeding stock in shaping future champions.
Source: finance.yahoo.com
