The Keeneland September Yearling Sale wrapped up its third book on Sunday, generating $50,852,000 in sales, marking a 5.54% increase compared to the same session last year. The standout of the day was a Nyquist colt, sold for $1.2 million to Donato Lanni, representing FRC/Starlight/Madaket, who led the day’s buyers by purchasing five horses totaling $3,060,000.
On Sunday, 262 horses brought in a total gross of $50,852,000, surpassing last year’s $48,184,000 for 267 horses by 5.54%. The average price rose 7.55% to $194,092 from $180,464 in 2025, while the median price remained steady at $150,000. Since the sale’s start on September 14, Keeneland has sold 1,150 horses for $430,039,000, an increase of 2.97% over last year’s $417,622,000 from 1,216 horses. The average price climbed nearly 9% to $373,947, and the median price increased 10% to $275,000. Notably, 70 yearlings sold for $1 million or more in 2026, compared to 56 last year.
The session’s top-priced yearling, consigned by Four Star Sales, brought $1.2 million and is out of stakes winner Alexandria by Constitution, hailing from a lineage that includes Group 1 winner Wandack and Group 3 winner Barefoot Angel. Tom Ryan of FRC commented that the colt “landed fair and squarely,” noting the importance of Nyquist as a respected sire and the potential for this colt to become a future Kentucky sire. He also remarked that success depends more on identifying fast horses than the sales book they come from, recalling a previous purchase of Kentucky Derby winner Authentic at Keeneland.
Among other notable sales were a Maxfield colt sold for $900,000 to CHC Inc., Maverick Racing, and Light Post Ventures, also consigned by Four Star Sales, and a Nyquist-sired colt sold to Pin Oak Stud for $825,000, consigned by Stone Farm. Pin Oak Stud also bought a Liam’s Map colt for $800,000, consigned by Trackside Farm. Kenny McPeek, agent for Dream Big Racing, paid $775,000 for a Golden Pal colt, and Gold Square purchased a colt by Gunite for $700,000. Donato Lanni also secured a Taiba colt for $625,000, while Flanagan Racing, through agent Kimmel/Sallusto, acquired a Maxfield colt for $600,000.
The September Sale will continue daily at 10 a.m. (ET) through Saturday, September 26.
This report was first published by Paulick Report on September 21, 2026.
Fan Take:
This strong showing at Keeneland signals continued vitality and investor confidence in the thoroughbred industry, with impressive demand for young talent. For horse racing enthusiasts, the surge in high-priced yearlings suggests exciting future racing prospects, keeping the sport competitive and thrilling.
Source: finance.yahoo.com
