Sales totaled more than $257 million at the conclusion of Tuesday's session, making it the second highest grossing Keeneland September Yearling Sale in history.

With four days still remaining in the 12-day auction, Keeneland has sold 2,004 horses for $257,281,000. The average is $128,384 and the median is $60,000, an increase of 30.6% and 20%, respectively.

At this point in the auction a year ago, 2,001 horses had sold for $196,679,500, an average of $98,291 and a median of $50,000.

The record for gross sales in September is $291,827,100 for 3,313 horses in 2000.

For the second day in a row a colt by Silver Charm brought the top price of the session. Robert B. and Beverly J. Lewis, who raced Silver Charm, paid $230,000 for a gray colt out of stakes winner Extra Rare, by Rare Brick.

James B. Keogh's Grovendale, as agent, sold the colt.

During Tuesday's session, Keeneland sold 314 horses for $9,510,500, an average of $30,288 and a median of $21,500. At the corresponding session last year, 291 horses brought $7,878,400, an average of $27,074 and a median of $20,000.

The sale continues through Saturday.

Eighth Session Comparison
Year: 2003
No. Sold: 314
Gross: $9,510,500
Average Price: $30,288
Median Price: $21,500

Year: 2002
No. Sold: 291
Gross: $7,878,400
Average Price: $27,074
Median Price: $20,000

Cumulative Comparison (First Eight Sessions)
Year: 2003
No. Sold: 2,004
Gross: $257,281,000
Average Price: $128,384
Median Price: $60,000

Year: 2002
No. Sold: 2,001
Gross: $196,679,500
Average Price: $98,291
Median Price: $50,000