Cumulative sales topped $500 million for the first time Sept. 18 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale—where a colt by Liam's Map topped the 10th session at $480,000—with two sessions still remaining.
"Surpassing $500 million at the September sale marks a pivotal moment for our sport—a milestone the entire industry can celebrate together," Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "This is a powerful testament to the health of the sport, and it reflects the remarkable energy, optimism, and momentum we've been experiencing together across this entire sale
"New buyers are stepping in and making a tangible impact, which is truly a win for everyone connected to the game," Keeneland vice president of sales Tony Lacy said. "But just as important are the breeders and consignors who have continued to entrust their horses to us year after year. Their confidence is the foundation of these results, and this moment is undeniable proof of what we can achieve as a community. We're so proud that Keeneland continues to be the stage where we see this growth and enthusiasm come to life."
Since the September Sale began Sept. 8, Keeneland cumulatively has sold 2,533 yearlings, including post-ring sales, for $520,997,500, an average of $205,684, and a median of $110,000. The total is 24% above the $421,590,000 from the corresponding period last year when 2,474 horses sold. The average has risen 21% from $170,408 in 2024, while the median is 22% higher than $90,000 last year.
On Thursday, 305 yearlings sold for $12,762,500, up 34% from last year's gross of $9,529,000 for 285 horses at the same session. The average price of $41,844 was 25% higher than $33,435 last year, and the median increased 11% from $27,000 to $30,000.
The session-topping colt by Liam's Map sold to Chad Schumer, agent/KGS. Consigned by Ashview Farm, agent, he is out of stakes winner Introduced, by El Padrino, and from the family of grade 2 winner Who Did It and Run.
The sale price of $480,000 was a session 10 record according to the auction house. The previous record for a sales price during session 10 was set in 2005 when $375,000 was paid for the Tiznow filly later named For Love Only.
In other Thursday sales, KatieRich Farms consigned a colt by Ghostzapper purchased by Al Jawzaa General Trading for $200,000. Out of Honorable Memory, a winning daughter of Honor Code, he is from the family of Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Furthest Land.
Jim and Susan Hill bought a daughter of Girvin for $180,000. Brookdale, agent, consigned the filly, who is from the family of grade 1 winner Mastery, grade 2 winner Jump Start, and Japanese group 3 winner Jasper Krone. Her dam is Magical Holiday, a winning daughter of Speightstown.
Three yearlings brought $170,000 each.
Kenneth McPeek, agent, spent the amount on two horses, a colt by Midshipman and a colt by Beau Liam . Consigned by Paramount Sales, agent, the son of Midshipman is out of the Bernardini mare Berningbrightly and from the family of grade 2 winner Even the Score. Warrendale Sales, agent, consigned the son of Beau Liam who is out of Fought the Fight, a War Front full sister to grade 1 winner Summer Soiree.
With nine yearlings purchased for $895,000, McPeek was the session's leading buyer.
A filly consigned by Scott Mallory, agent for Buena Madera, from the first crop of Drain the Clock sold for $170,000 to Al Jawzaa. The filly's dam Big Carat is a Nyquist half sister to grade 1 winner The Big Beast .
Taylor Made Sales Agency led consignors with sales of $1,186,000 for 32 yearlings.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
