Keeneland concluded the first week of its 83rd September Yearling Sale with impressive results, totaling $318,115,000 in sales for 633 horses over four days. This year set a new record with 65 horses selling for $1 million or more. The top price was a $3.7 million colt by Into Mischief, sold by Glennwood Farm to M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm.
Week 1, starting Monday, September 14, featured a two-day Book 1 and two-day Book 2 sale showcasing over 1,100 yearlings noted for their elite bloodlines and physical stature. Gross sales increased by 3.41 percent compared to last year, moving from $307.6 million to $318.1 million, while the average sale price rose nearly 10 percent to $502,551, and the median climbed slightly to $360,000.
The top buyer group was the partnership comprising St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End Racing, and Belladonna, acquiring 16 horses for almost $14 million. Taylor Made Sales Agency led consignors with $46.5 million in sales from 92 yearlings. Gun Runner was the top sire, with his offspring fetching $37.79 million across 42 individuals, averaging nearly $900,000 each.
On Thursday alone, three colts sold for $2 million each—two sons of Not This Time and one son of Nyquist. The session’s 10 million-dollar sales shattered the previous record of six from 2014 and 2018. In total, 216 horses sold for $77.18 million, closely matching last year’s fourth session figures, with averages and medians both showing healthy increases.
Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales, Tony Lacy, described the market as robust, noting strong buyer engagement despite challenges in sourcing the right horses. The unprecedented number of seven-figure sales underscores the high demand for top-quality yearlings.
Keeneland Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach acknowledged a slight rise in the RNA (reserve not attained) rate to 30 percent but emphasized the exceptional sales pace, striving to improve outcomes for all consignors.
One highlight was a $2 million Not This Time colt bought by trainer Chad Summers for Gold Square, notable as the first foal of Spell On You, a half-sister to Triple Crown winner Justify and related to other graded stakes winners. Summers praised Glennwood Farm’s expertise in breeding high-caliber horses, echoing the enthusiasm of consignor John Gunther, who celebrated the colt’s sale as a tremendous achievement for his team.
Adding to the family’s success, Glennwood sold a half-brother to Justify earlier for $1.9 million. Speedway Stable purchased another $2 million Not This Time colt, out of Kentucky Oaks winner Believe You Can, with Airdrie Stud’s Bret Jones highlighting the colt’s strength and class.
The prominent buyer group also secured a $2 million Nyquist colt from Betz Thoroughbreds. Monique Delk of St. Elias praised the colt’s impeccable conformation and pedigree.
Other notable sales included three Mt. Brilliant Farm yearlings surpassing $1 million, including a Not This Time colt for $1.65 million purchased by the St. Elias partnership, a Gun Runner filly sold for $1.5 million, and an Uncle Mo colt for $1 million. The Mt. Brilliant family’s strategy of breeding fast mares with dirt sires was credited by Hutton Goodman as key to their success.
Two colts sold for $1.6 million each: a Gun Runner from Four Star Sales and an Into Mischief from Taylor Made, the latter a half-brother to Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress. Mark Taylor of Taylor Made emphasized the prestige of consigning for Stonestreet, known for producing elite horses.
Other million-dollar yearlings included a Good Magic colt purchased by FRC/Starlight/Madaket and a Life Is Good colt to CHC Inc., Maverick Racing, and Light Post Ventures. Norevale Farm’s Leo Dooley linked the popularity of the Life Is Good sire to their colt’s sale success.
The sale will pause on Friday before resuming with Book 3 on Saturday, September 19, and continuing through September 26. The event is livestreamed on Keeneland’s website.
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on September 18, 2026.
Fan Take: For horse racing enthusiasts, these record-breaking sales signal a vibrant and growing market that bodes well for the future of the sport. The unprecedented demand for top bloodstock hints at a new generation of champions, ensuring thrilling races and legendary pedigrees for years to come.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
