Buying at Keeneland

Step by Step

Before the Sale

01

Keeneland will publish a catalog for each upcoming sale. If you plan to participate, please create or log in to your Keeneland account. Once logged in, submit a credit request for the relevant sale.

Sale Registration

During the Sale

02

On sale day, once accredited, you may bid on-site, by phone, or online.

Bidding at Keeneland

After the Sale

03

Payment is required within 15 days following the final day of the sale.

Final Steps

Before the Sale

Sale Registration & Credit

ALL buyers must have established credit prior to each Keeneland sale, even if payment will be made at the time of purchase by personal check or cash.

First-time buyers – or those who have not made a purchase within the past three (3) years – must complete a credit request. This may be done through your Keeneland account or by printing and submitting a credit request form to the Sales Department.

Certain sales, such as the Championship Sale, may also require a pre-registration form. This can be completed within your Keeneland account or through the Sales Department.

Once approved, your account will reflect your updated credit status and limit, and you will be ready to bid.

Reminder: Buyers who wish to allow another party to bid for them must also complete an Authorized Agent form. See Resources for more information.

During the Sale

Bidding at Keeneland

Approved, accredited buyers may bid on-site, by phone or online.

Reminder: Keeneland encourages all buyers to closely review codes of conduct and conditions of sale prior to bidding. See Resources for more information.

On Site Bidding

Bidding takes place in the Sales Pavilion or the back ring with a Keeneland bid spotter.

Grounds Maps Directions

Phone Bidding

Phone bidding is available through the Keeneland Sales team. Log in to your Keeneland account and follow the link for Phone Bidding to begin the process.

Login or Register

Online Bidding

Participate in real time through your desktop or mobile device. Log in to your Keeneland account and follow the link for Online Bidding.

Login or Register

After the Sale

Final Steps

Congratulations on your purchases. Please review the following post-sale requirements:

Payment: Payment is due within 15 days following the final day of the sale. Buyers who do not wish to be invoiced must remit payment within 60 minutes of the fall of the hammer.
Horse Removal: All horses must be removed from Keeneland grounds within 24 hours after the conclusion of the sale. For shuttle or transportation assistance, please contact the Sales Office.
Animal Care: Buyers are responsible for ensuring that all horses are properly fed, watered, and cared for immediately following purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to bid during a sale?

You may bid once you have been accredited by Keeneland Sales. To be approved, all prospective buyers must register or submit a credit request. This can be completed in person at the Sales Office or online through your Keeneland account at account.keeneland.com

Can someone else bid for me?

Yes. If another party will bid on your behalf, you must complete a Buyer’s Authorized Agent form. This form may be submitted online here or in person directly to the Sales Department.

Can I register or request credit during an active sale?

Yes. Buyers may register and request credit during an active sale; however, please note that processing time may be longer. To ensure a smooth experience, we encourage buyers to complete registration and credit requests in advance of the sale.

How do I start online bidding?

To participate in online bidding, log in to your Keeneland account. Once logged in:

1. Confirm your buyer registration and approved credit status.

2. On sale day, visit the sale page and click “Bid Online”

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to place bids in real time.

We recommend logging in prior to the start of the sale to ensure your credentials and credit status are active.

How do I start phone bidding?

To participate in phone bidding, you must pre-register with the Keeneland Sales office. Call (859) 288-4231 or log in to your Keeneland account and follow the link for Phone Bidding to begin the process.

Have more questions?

For additional assistance, please contact Brent Hacker at bhacker@keeneland.com or (859) 288-4231