An extraordinary first week of selling at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale has concluded with US$55 million more spent across the four days on Books 1 and 2 than over the same period last year.
All records have fallen across the four days with 53 $1 million-dollar lots, and US$316,201,500 spent at an average of US$445,355 and a median US$350,000.
Thursday’s action was highlighted by another $1 million yearling by Gun Runner, with Hip 969 selling to MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for US$1.55 million.
Colts by Flightline, Not This Time and Life Is Good sold for between US$1.25 million and US$1.4 million, while the top priced filly sold for US$1 million to Hunter Rankin of Flying Dutchmen.
Australian Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock spent US$75,000 and US$60,000 on a colt and a filly by Munnings and Early Voting together with American trainer Dan Blacker.
Meanwhile, Hip 1017, an Uncle Mo filly out of Australian-bred mare Behold The Queen, fetched US$300,000 to Faris Breeding.
“This market is a little surreal,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “It’s been consistent and just a good, healthy environment. Money was here right to the end and you have a great vibe for Book 3 as well.”
Book 3 begins on Saturday.
“The next wave of buyers are going to arrive for Book 3 and beyond, and people will still have to bid hard for the horses they really want. We’re grateful to everybody for being here and making it such a fun environment,” Lacy said.
