Keeneland September Sale reaches latest milestone as trade passes $500 million

An already record-breaking Keeneland September Yearling Sale hit another milestone on Thursday as cumulative through-the-ring sales for the 12-session auction topped $500 million for the first time.

The action was led by a Liam’s Map colt who sold for $480,000 – another record price for session ten – to agent Chad Schumer on behalf of racing entity KGS. Consigned by Ashview Farm, he is out of stakes winner Introduced, by El Padrino, and from the family of Grade 2 winner Who Did It and Run.

"Surpassing $500 million at the September Sale marks a pivotal moment for our sport — a milestone the entire industry can celebrate together," Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "This is a powerful testament to the health of the sport and it reflects the remarkable energy, optimism and momentum we’ve been experiencing together across this entire sale."

Since the sale began on September 8, Keeneland has cumulatively sold 2,373 yearlings through the ring for $500,230,000, for an average of $210,801 and a median of $120,000. The total is 23 per cent above the $405,519,500 from the corresponding period last year when 2,326 horses sold. The average has risen 21 per cent from $174,342 in 2024, while the median is 15 per cent higher than $95,000.

"New buyers are stepping in and making a tangible impact, which is truly a win for everyone connected to the game," Keeneland vice-president of sales Tony Lacy said. "But just as important are the breeders and consignors who have continued to entrust their horses to us year after year. 

"Their confidence is the foundation of these results, and this moment is undeniable proof of what we can achieve as a community. We’re so proud that Keeneland continues to be the stage where we see this growth and enthusiasm come to life."

Elswhere in the session, KatieRich Farms consigned a colt by Ghostzapper purchased by Al Jawzaa General Trading for $200,000. Out of Honorable Memory, a winning daughter of Honor Code, he is from the family of Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Furthest Land.

Jim and Susan Hill bought a daughter of Girvin for $180,000. Brookdale consigned the filly, who is from the family of Grade 1 winner Mastery, Grade 2 winner Jump Start and Japanese Group 3 winner Jasper Krone. Her dam is Magical Holiday, a winning daughter of Speightstown.

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