The Keeneland September yearling sale, through its first 11 sessions in Lexington, already has generated a higher gross than last year’s edition. The cumulative total through Sept. 23, with three sessions remaining, was $192,884,100. The gross for the entire 14-session auction in 2009 was $191,859,200.
The other 2010 cumulative statistics were an average price of $80,806 and a median price of $40,000 for the 2,387 horses that sold. Compared to 2009 at the same point, the number sold was down 6.2%, but the gross was up 3.1%. The average and median were up 9.9% and 21.2%, respectively.
The buy-back rate of 26% was down from 28.4% last year.
During the 11th session, 294 horses were sold for a gross of $4,212,100. The average was $14,327 and the median was $9,000. Compared to the same session in 2009, the number sold and gross rose 20% and 68.2%, respectively. The average and median increased 40.1% and 28.6%, respectively.
The buy-back rate of 23.2% was down slightly from 23.7% last year.
A Malibu Moon filly brought the 11th session’s top price of $95,000. Eisaman Equine, a Florida-based pinhooking operation, purchased the Kentucky-bred chestnut yearling from Gainesway, agent.
The filly is a half sister to the winners Fed Up (by Rock Hard Ten) and Soulfully (by Gulch). Their dam, the unraced Dixieland Bandmare Perdition, is a half sister to grade I winner Snow Ridge (by Tabasco Cat) and added-money winner Pavarotti (by A.P. Indy). Other members of the family include grade II winners Sweetnorthernsaint and Eye of the Tigerand grade III winner Fighting Fantasy.
The sale continues daily through Sept. 26. Each session begins at 10 a.m.
