Market conditions remained the same at the Keeneland September yearling sale Thursday, Sept. 24 as major indices continued their decline over a last year’s figures. Four horses, however, broke through the six-figure barrier on the day, with the top three prices coming for fillies.
Gross receipts for the 10th of 14 sessions of the world’s largest yearling sale totaled $5,229,200, down 29.2% from the $7,386,400 posted last year. The session average of $19,296 decreased 32.3% from $28,519 recorded in 2008. The median of $13,000 was down 35% from last year’s $20,000. On the bright side, horses were getting sold as 271 yearlings were reported as sold compared to 259 in 2008.
The day’s session-topping price came late in the session when SGV Thoroughbreds paid $140,000 for a filly by Malibu Moon out of the stakes-placed Quiet American mare My American Girl. She was consigned by Peter O’Callaghan’s Woods Edge Farm, agent.
The bay filly, a late February foal, is a half-sister to a multiple winner whose second dam was a grade III winner in New York. She is also from the family of classic contender Triple Buck.
A filly by Tapit brought the day’s second-highest bid of $120,000 from Whitehorse Stables/Foye Genetics, agent. Consigned by Padraig Campion’s Blandford Stud, the filly is out of the winning Regal Classic mare Malia, and is from the family of grade I winner and sire Twilight Agenda.
Tom Gentry, as agent, went to $105,000 to acquire a filly by Anabaa from Four Star Sales, agent. The filly is out of the Seeking the Gold mare Plaintiff. From the Phipps’ family, Plantiff is out of Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Spinster Stakes (gr. I) winner Dispute, who is a full sister to Adjudicating, and is from the family of major sire Time for a Change.
After 10 days, 2,299 horses have been sold for $184,571,800, a decrease of 41% from last year’s $313,084,500 for 2,492 horses. The average is down 36.1% from $125,636 to $80,284 and the median of $40,000 is off 42.9% from 2008’s median $70,000 at the same point in the sale.
The session’s top priced colt was a son of Afleet Alex , purchased for $100,000 by Steve Bajer, as agent. Consigned by Adena Springs, the colt is out of Senorita Stakes (gr. III) winner Virden, by Tactical Cat, and from the family of stakes winners and sires Northerly and Salutely.
The September Sale continues through Sept. 28; sessions begin daily at 10 a.m.