Keeneland catalogues 4635 yearlings for 2026 September Sale

Keeneland has compiled a catalogue of 4635 horses for its 83rd September Yearling Sale, with the famous auction set to run across 12 sessions from September 14 until September 26.

The auction house announced Tuesday that the 2026 catalogue features yearlings by 189 sires, including 24 first-crop stallions represented by 1,072 horses. Among the entries are 722 yearlings by North America’s top 10 leading sires.

The September Yearling Sale follows a record-breaking 2025 edition that became the highest-grossing Thoroughbred auction in history. More than US$531.7 million worth of yearlings changed hands, with 3,078 horses sold.

A record 56 yearlings sold for $1 million or more, while the average price climbed to $172,755 and the median price reached $80,000, both all-time highs for the sale.

Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said the results demonstrated strong demand across all sectors of the bloodstock market.

“The 2025 September Sale established a historic benchmark,” Arvin said. “With record participation and strong economic performance, buying power was evident at every level of the market.”

Arvin said Keeneland’s global buying bench, experienced sales team and strong participation from leading breeders and consignors continue to drive the sale’s success.

Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said the quality of this year’s catalogue extended from the opening session through to the final day.

“With so many outstanding yearlings, placing horses throughout the catalogue required careful consideration,” Lacy said.