Two Books In, and September’s Even

After two books, six days and 1,396 horses through the ring, numbers at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale remains largely unchanged from a year ago. When selling wrapped up last night in Lexington around 8:15, the sale company reported 1,017 horses sold for $206,217,500. The resulting average of $202,770 is up 4.3% from 2013. The median of $150,000 was up a similar 3.5%. From 379 not sold, the RNA rate stands at 27.1%. 

Sunday’s Book 2 finale was led by a $700,000 Smart Strike–Distinctively filly who was purchased by Donato Lanni, agent for John Sikura and Bruce Lunsford. KatieRich Farms bred the filly, who was produced by a stakes-placed daughter of champion Heavenly Prize (Seeking the Gold), and consigned her as hip 1482. 

On the day, 250 horses sold for $28,430,000. The average was $113,720, up 16.8%; the median was $90,000, up 12.5%. The session RNA was 31.5% from 115 not sold. 

Last year, Book 2–which isn’t arranged from start to finish alphabetically, like Book 1, but instead by which day consignors are assigned to sell on–was marked by a significant drop on the second day of selling. This year, numbers remained comparable. 

“It was a very solid session, and it was good to see the two sessions–Saturday and Sunday–coming closer together, which is an important aspect for us all,” said Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell. “Overall, it was very good.” 
Like in Book 1, there seemed to be improved strength at the very top of the market in Book 2. This year, nine Book 2 horses sold for $400,000 or more, for $4,670,000 in receipts, with a $700,000 topper. Last year, five horses brought $400,000 or more, for $2,130,000 in receipts, with a $475,000 topper. 

The first of two Book 3 sessions begins this morning at 10 a.m. The sale runs uninterrupted through Sunday, Sept. 21. For more, visit www.keeneland.com.