As the Keeneland September Yearling Sale reached its halfway point on Sunday, the cumulative gross of the sale surpassed that for the entire 12-day sale in 2024.
The gross has now reached US$417 million at the end of Book 3, exceeding the total of US$411 million in through-the-ring sales for the entire 12-day auction last year.
The average for the sale sits at US$343,439, 19 per cent higher than it was at this point last year, with a median of US$250,000, up from US$210,000.
Fifty-six yearlings have sold for $1 million or more compared to 36 last year.
Two colts by Not This Time were the high sellers in the sixth session.
Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables paid the session-topping amount of US $875,000 for a colt from the family of Zenyatta. While another son of Not This Time sold to Bradley Thoroughbreds for US$775,000.
That came after Justin Casse/M.V. Magnier/White Birch paid US$2 million for a colt by Into Mischief on Saturday, a Book 3 record.
“Book 3 closed today on another high note, with packed grounds and strong competition in the ring,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said.
“To surpass last year’s record-breaking gross — with six sessions still to come and so much depth of quality remaining in the catalogue — speaks volumes about the health of the market that we have seen play out here.”
“But what’s even more gratifying about these figures is knowing that every success in this ring directly supports the people, the horses and the initiatives that keep our sport thriving. These dollars go right back into everything we do here at Keeneland, from purses to infrastructure to aftercare and more.
"All of it helps fuel the future of the sport, and that’s a real win for everyone.”
