Keeneland Photo
Through-the-Ring Sales Top $500 Million on Thursday with Two Days Remaining
Keeneland Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – On Thursday at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale — where a colt by Liam’s Map sold for a Session 10 record $480,000 — cumulative through-the-ring sales for the 12-session auction topped $500 million for the first time.
“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 2,373 yearlings through the ring for $500,230,000, for an average of $210,801 and a median of $120,000. The total is 23.36% above the $405,519,500 from the corresponding period last year when 2,326 horses sold. The average has risen 20.91% from $174,342 in 2024, while the median is 15.38% higher than $95,000.
On Thursday, 299 yearlings sold through the ring for $12,600,500, up 35.40% from last year’s gross of $9,306,000 for 278 horses. Average price of $42,142 was 25.89% above $33,475 last year. The median increased 15.38% from $26,000 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 previous record for a sales price during Session 10 was $375,000 paid 20 years ago 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 Tracing 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 the War Front mare Fought the Fight and from the family of Grade 1 winner Summer Soiree.
With nine yearlings purchased for $895,000, Kenneth McPeek, agent, was the session’s leading buyer.
A colt from the first crop of Drain the Clock sold for $170,000 to Al Jawzaa General Trading. Consigned by Scott Mallory, agent for Buena Madera, he is from the family of Grade 1 winner The Big Beast. The colt’s dam is the Nyquist mare Big Carat.
Taylor Made Sales Agency led consignors with sales of $1,146,000 for 31 yearlings.
Friday is the penultimate day of the September Sale, which begins at 10 a.m. ET. The auction is streamed live at Keeneland.com.
