The eighth session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale on Tuesday showcased strong market momentum, with total sales increasing by 23.35% to reach $30,215,000. The average price rose 14.63% to $101,374, and the median climbed 7.14% to $75,000, reflecting sustained buyer enthusiasm.
Leading the session was a colt by Yaupon, sold for $850,000 to Donato Lanni, representing Frank Fletcher and Jackpot Farm. A total of 297 yearlings were sold during the session, marking an improvement over last year’s eighth session in 2025, which saw 276 yearlings sell for $24,495,000 at an average of $88,750 and a median of $70,000.
With four sessions remaining, the sale has so far seen 1,732 yearlings sold for a combined total of $493,195,500—a 4.44% increase over last year’s comparable period, which had 1,771 yearlings sell for $472,224,000. The average price to date is $284,755, up 6.79% from $266,643 in 2025, and the median price has risen 2.78% to $185,000.
The $850,000 Yaupon colt was consigned by Glennwood Farm, agent, and hails from a notable lineage including Grade 1 winner and sire Mo Town, plus Grade 3 winner Molto Vita and multiple stakes winners like Jaguar Paw and Venetian Mask.
Other highlights included a Yaupon filly purchased for $500,000 by By Talla Racing. Sold by Hermitage Farm, agent, this filly is out of stakes winner Jan’s Perfect Star and is related to stakes winners Road Bloc and others. A colt by Liam’s Map brought $475,000 from Go Go Greys and Delta Squad; consigned by Nicky Drion Thoroughbreds, agent, he is the first foal of Sense Now and linked to Canadian Horse of the Year Soaring Free.
Talla Racing also acquired a Life Is Good filly for $350,000, consigned by Four Star Sales for D.C. Goff. This filly descends from the family of champion Afleet Alex and multiple Grade 3 winners.
Two horses fetched $325,000 each: a Tiz the Law filly bought by Warwick Equine Agent and Hyteck Racing, half-sister to stakes winner Not This Boy, consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency; and a Cairo Prince colt purchased by Joe Migliore, agent for M. Clement, related to stakes winner Kale’s Angel and consigned by Airdrie Stud.
Taylor Made Sales Agency topped consignors on Tuesday with 37 yearlings sold for a total of $2,986,000. Kenneth McPeek was the session’s leading buyer, spending $925,000 on six horses.
The Keeneland September Sale will continue on Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET and run daily through Saturday, with auctions livestreamed at Keeneland.com.
This article originally appeared on Paulick Report on September 23, 2026.
Fan Take: This strong sales momentum highlights the ongoing confidence of breeders and buyers in the future of Thoroughbred racing, signaling a healthy environment for new talent. For horse racing enthusiasts, these impressive figures hint at the potential emergence of exciting performers who could shape the sport’s competitive landscape in the coming years.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
