Second Online RNA Auction Draws 27% More Yearlings

Consignors apparently are feeling a bit more comfortable with Keeneland's Internet RNA auction since 95 yearlings have been entered for the second round of three online sales. The first Internet auction held Sept. 16 offered 75 horses. Buyers also seem to be more interested: 235 buyers and agents registered for the second session, up from about 200 for the first session. The horses being offered in the online auction were not sold when they went through the ring at the current September yearling sale.

The second session begins Wednesday at 8 a.m. (EDT) Bids can be placed throughout the day until 4 p.m. when the auction begins closing one horse at a time. After bidding closes at 4 p.m. on the first horse, the sale of each subsequent horse will close at five minute intervals. Four horses sold during the first session for a total of $109,500, or an average price of $27,375.

Meanwhile, a Sky Classic--Compromsied Crown (by Halo) colt was purchased by Kenneth L. and Sarah Ramsey for $170,000 to top Tuesday's session of the yearling auction. The colt was consigned by Stony Point, agent for Robert Schaedle.

The sales company reported 276 horses sold Tuesday for $6,529,700, an average price of $23,658. At the comparable session one year ago, 304 yearlings averaged $20,832 from a $6,332,800 gross. With four days remaining in the marathon sale, Keeneland has sold 2,397 horses for a record $278,465,800 and an average price of $116,173.

The internet auction can be found on Keeneland's web site at www.keeneland.com.