Keeneland September sale passes 2017 gross sales on 7th day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Demand for Thoroughbred racehorses continued Monday at Keeneland when cumulative gross sales of $326,287,200 through seven sessions of the 13-day September Yearling Sale exceeded total sales of $307,845,400 for last year’s entire 12-day sale.

On Monday, the first day of Book 3, Keeneland sold 289 yearlings for $22,360,500, up 21.62 percent from the corresponding session last year when 276 horses brought $18,385,000. The average of $77,372 rose 16.15 percent from $66,612 in 2017. The median of $55,000 was 10 percent above last year’s $50,000.

Cumulatively, Keeneland has sold 1,433 horses for $326,287,200, an increase of 19.39 percent from last year’s $273,298,000 for 1,455 horses. Average was up 21.22 percent from $187,834 to $227,695. The median of $150,000 rose 25 percent from $120,000 in 2017.

St. Elias and Zayat Stables partnered to pay the day’s highest price of $450,000 for a colt by Empire Maker from the consignment of Gainesway, agent. The colt is out of the Mr. Greeley mare Duke’s Dream, a full sister to Grade 1 winner Sweet Lulu, Grade 2 winner Anchor Down and Grade 3 winner Iron Fist.

Three yearlings brought $400,000 each.

Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farm paid the amount for a filly by Medaglia d’Oro who is a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 winner Thiskyhasnolimit. Consigned by Baccari Bloodstock, agent, the filly is out of the Deputy Minister mare Lovely Regina, a half-sister to champion and sire Bernardini.

A daughter of Into Mischief from the family of champion Tepin and multiple Grade 2 winner Vyjack sold for $400,000 to Bluewater Sales, agent for Martin S. Schwartz. Out of the stakes-placed Scat Daddy mare Sca Doodle, the filly was consigned by Select Sales, agent for Machmer Hall.

Ben Glass, agent, spent $400,000 for a Quality Road colt consigned by War Horse Place, agent. Out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Aussieaussieaussie, the colt is from family of Grade 2 winners Rockport Harbor and Regally Appealing.

Eisaman Equine was the session’s leading buyer, spending $605,000 for four horses.

The day’s leading consignor was Lane’s End, which sold 33 yearlings for $2,967,000.

The September Sale continues through Sunday, Sept. 23, with all sessions beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

The entire sale is streamed live at Keeneland.com.