Three days remain in yearling auction

With $18,485,000 in through-the-ring sales on Wednesday, the ninth of 12 sessions of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the cumulative gross reached $511,680,500 to exceed the total of $510,539,900 in through-the-ring sales for the entire 12-day auction last year. For the session, two yearlings — a colt by Dialed In and a filly by Army Mule — topped sales at $250,000 apiece.

Since the September Sale began Sept. 14, Keeneland has sold 2,027 horses through the ring for an average of $252,432 and a median of $150,000. The gross is 4.93% above the same period last year, when 2,074 yearlings brought $487,624,500. The average of $251,432 is 7.37% higher than $235,113 in 2025, while the median equals last year’s figure. 

Seventy yearlings have sold for $1 million or more compared to 56 last year.

“To already surpass last year’s entire through-the-ring gross with three sessions still to go speaks volumes about the strength of this market and the quality of the horses here,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “None of this happens without the breeders and consignors who bring these horses to Keeneland and the buyers who support the sale from start to finish. We’re grateful for everyone who continues to believe in this marketplace and make it what it is. We’ve still got three days to go, so we’re looking forward to seeing where we finish.”

On Wednesday, the session produced double-digit increases across the board. A total of 295 yearlings sold for an average of $62,661 and a median of $50,000. The average of $62,661 jumped 23.28% from last year’s $50,827, while the median of $50,000 was 25% higher than $40,000.

The day’s first horse to bring $250,000 was a son of Dialed In who is a half-brother to 2026 Saratoga stakes winner Sea Strike and was purchased by Kimmel/Sallusto, agent for Thorostock. Out of winner Halama, by Pioneerof the Nile, he is from the family of Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Keeper Hill, Grade 1 winner Clabber Girl, Grade 2 winner Golden Gear and Grade 3 winner Keep Up. Highgate Sales, agent, consigned the colt.

Kimmel/Sallusto, agent for Thorostock, led buyers during the session, spending $565,000 on four yearlings.

Gracie Bloodstock, agent, purchased the second $250,000 yearling, a daughter of Army Mule from the family of Grade 1 winner and sire World of Trouble and Grade 2 winner and sire Bucchero. Consigned by Paramount Sales, agent, the filly is out of the Line of David mare Meetmeonline.

In other sales, two yearlings sold for $230,000 each.

BC Horses and SB acquired a filly by Upstart consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, for the amount. Out of White Mischief, a winning daughter of Into Mischief, she is from the family of Grade 2 winner Leggs Galore and Grade 3 winner Conveyance.

Glassman Racing paid $230,000 for a filly by Dialed In who is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Perfect Shot. Consigned by Denali Stud, agent, she is out of the Bodemeister mare Meister Legend and from the family of champion Pleasant Stage; Grade 1 winner Nadal; Grade 2 winner Colonial Play; and Grade 3 winners Stage Colony, Journey Home, Grande and Ticker Take Home.

Two horses brought $225,000 apiece.

Bruno DeBerdt, agent, spent the amount on a colt by Flameaway who is a full brother to Grade 3 winner Dreamfyre. Out of Appreciating, a winning daughter of Sky Mesa, he is from the family of Grade 1 winner Celestine, Grade 2 winner Diamond On the Run and Grade 3 winner Buddy’s Humor. Gainesway, agent, consigned the colt.

With sales of $2,246,000 for 37 yearlings, Gainesway was the session’s leading consignor.

A son of Yaupon consigned by Woods Edge Farm, agent, sold for $220,000 to John Ennis, agent for BC Stables. From the family of stakes winner Seacrettina, he is out of the Bernardini mare Bernatina.

Two yearlings sold for $200,000 each.

Golf 26/27 paid the amount for a colt by Army Mule from the family of Canadian champion Munnyfor Ro and Grade 1 winners Little Belle and Dickinson. Consigned by Columbiana Farm, agent, he is out of the Liam’s Map mare Retort.

For $200,000, Jim and Susan Hill purchased a filly by Practical Joke from the family of champions Kitten’s Joy and Dreaming of Anna as well as Grade 1 winner Precious Kitten. The family also includes Grade 2 winner Lewis Michael and Justenuffhumor along with Grade 3 winners Dreamologist and Cassatt. The filly is out of Tawreed, a winning daughter of Speightstown. She was consigned by Lane’s End, agent.

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The September Sale continues Thursday at 10 a.m. ET and runs each day through Saturday. The auction is livestreamed at Keeneland.com.