Catalogue unveiled for world's biggest sale with Frankel, Kingman and Wootton Bassett yearlings in the Keeneland mix

Keeneland’s 80th annual September Yearling Sale has catalogued 4,194 horses for a total of 12 sessions to be held on Monday, September 11 through to Saturday, September 23. 

“The September Sale combines a deep selection of quality yearlings at all price points with a history of producing horses that excel at the highest levels, making the auction a ‘must attend’ event for buyers from around the world,” said Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin. 

“Last year’s September Sale enjoyed a historic run with record gross sales of $418 million. We now look forward to the exciting prospects catalogued this year and to welcoming friends both old and new to Keeneland.”

Books 1 and 2 during the sale’s first four days has catalogued more than 1,000 yearlings judged to be the sale’s finest individuals based on pedigree and conformation, the aim being to enable major domestic and international buyers to inspect the largest number of exceptional horses possible before the dark day on Friday, September 15.

Recent standouts sold during Book 1 include champions Echo Zulu, Elite Power and Malathaat, along with Grade 1 winners American Theorem, Cave Rock, Gina Romantica, Life Is Good, Tapit Trice and Up To The Mark. Book 1 also produced 2023 Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil’s, a multiple Grade 3 winner.

“Our sales team has worked hand in hand with consignors to intentionally construct a Book 1 designed to present the largest number of exceptional racing prospects possible to our deep buying bench,” said Tony Lacy, Keeneland vice-president of sales. 

“We feel that, similar to last year, these efforts will produce a vibrant momentum that will ripple through the entire auction.” 

Horses from Book 2 include 2023 champions Nest and Wonder Wheel, as well as recent Grade/Group 1 scorers in the Preakness winner Early Voting and Belmont winner Mo Donegal, along with A Mo Reay, Colonel Liam, Country Grammer, Express Train, Marketsegmentation, Olympiad, Played Hard and Practical Move.

Book 3 produced 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, Belmont winner Arcangelo and Group 1 winner Sibelius.

Later books are represented by such 2023 standouts as champion Forte and Grade 1 winner Angel Of Empire from Book 4; multiple Grade 1 winner and $2m earner Casa Creed from Book 5; and multiple Grade 1 winner and $2m earner War Like Goddess from Book 6.

Yearlings in the September Sale catalogue represent more than 200 of the world’s most prominent stallions, including American Pharoah, Curlin, Frankel, Ghostzapper, Gun Runner, Into Mischief, Justify, Kingman, Quality Road, Tapit, Uncle Mo, War Front, Without Parole and Wootton Bassett.

Among the stallions represented by their first crop of yearlings is 2020 Horse of the Year Authentic, winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. 

Other exciting young stallions with their initial sale yearlings include champions Game Winner, Improbable and Maximum Security; Kentucky Derby winner Country House; Preakness winner War of Will; Belmont winner Tiz The Law; and Grade 1 winners Echo Town, Global Campaign, Higher Power, Honor A. P., Instilled Regard, McKinzie, Promises Fulfilled, Spun To Run, Tom’s D’Etat, Vekoma and Volatile.

Up to and including Sunday, graduates of the September Sale have won 233 stakes globally in 2023, while capturing major races across the US and in Canada, as well as in Australia, Chile, France, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Four champions have won Graded stakes at Saratoga: Channel Maker (Bowling Green, G2), Elite Power (Alfred G. Vanderbilt, G1), Echo Zulu (Honorable Miss, G2), Forte (Jim Dandy, G2) and Nest (Shuvee, G2). 

Click here for the online September Sale catalogue, which will include walking videos of yearlings and links to each consignor’s website.

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