The Keeneland September yearling sale turned in a solid performance during its ninth session, posting increases in number sold and gross revenue while generating average and median prices that virtually equaled or equaled last year’s comparable figures.
“We continue to be encouraged because with each session, the clearance rate remains very strong (with nearly 75% of the horses finding new homes during the first nine sessions),” said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland’s director of sales. “One of our main goals for this sale, and for this new format, was that horses brought to market would sell. Fortunately, trade has been very good so far.”
The 297 horses that sold Sept. 21 in Lexington grossed $7,995,400 and averaged $26,921. Compared to 2009, the number sold and gross each rose 5.7% from 281 and $7,564,100, respectively. The average was $2 higher than in 2009 when it reached $26,919. The median of $18,000 was the same.
The buy-back rate was 19.5%, up slightly from last year’s result of 19.3%.
A Canadian-bred Dixie Union colt brought the session’s top price, selling to Ben Glass, agent, for $210,000. Consigned by John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent, the dark bay or brown yearling is the first foal out of the unraced Sky Mesa mare Sky Select, who is a half sister to Canadian champion A Bit O’Gold and Arco’s Gold, who captured the Coronation Futurity at Woodbine in Canada. Both Bit O’Gold and Arco’s Gold are by Gold Fever.
The cumulative statistics through nine sessions included a gross of $181,750,100 for the 1,818 yearlings that were sold. The average was $99,973 and the median was $60,000.
The number sold was down 10.4% from the total of 2,028 last year. The gross advanced 1.3% from $179,342,000 while the average grew 24.3% from $80,433. The median increased 26.3% from $47,500.
The buy-back rate was 26.5%, down from 29.5%.
The Keeneland September auction is scheduled to run through Sept. 26, with selling beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) each day.
