Keeneland September Yearling Sale Hits Record Milestone

With Two Days Remaining, Total Sales Top $500 Million for the First Time

Keeneland Sales Ring Enjoys a Glorious September / KEENELAND

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale reached a historic milestone on Thursday as a Liam’s Map colt sold for $480,000, setting a record for Session 10 and pushing cumulative sales for the 12-day auction past $500 million for the first time. The achievement underscores the strength and dynamism of the global thoroughbred market.

“Breaking the $500 million mark in the September sale is a landmark moment for our sport, one the entire industry can celebrate,” said Shannon Arvin, Keeneland President and CEO. “It’s a clear sign of the health of the business and reflects the energy, optimism, and momentum felt throughout this sale.”

Tony Lacy, Keeneland Vice President of Sales, added, “The arrival of new buyers creates a tangible impact that benefits everyone involved in the industry. Equally important is the trust of breeders and consignors who place their horses with us year after year. That support is the foundation of these results, and this historic moment confirms it: together as a community, we can achieve remarkable milestones.”

Since the sale opened on September 8, 2,373 yearlings have sold for a total of $500,230,000, with an average price of $210,801 and a median of $120,000. The total represents a 23.36% increase over last year’s $405,519,500 for 2,326 horses. The average rose 20.91% from $174,342 in 2024, while the median grew 15.38%, from $95,000 to $120,000.

On Thursday, 299 yearlings brought $12,600,500, up 35.4% from $9,306,000 for 278 horses in 2024. The session average was $42,142, up 25.89% from last year, while the median rose from $26,000 to $30,000 (+15.38%).

The session’s top seller, a Liam’s Map colt, was purchased by Chad Schumer, agent/KGS, consigned by Ashview Farm, agent. A son of classic winner Introduced (El Padrino) and from the family of G2 Who Did It and Run (Polish Numbers), the colt set a Session 10 record, surpassing the $375,000 paid for Tiznow For Love Only (Tiznow) two decades ago.

Other notable transactions included a Ghostzapper colt purchased by Al Jawzaa General Trading for $200,000, a Girvin filly acquired by Jim and Susan Hill for $180,000, and three yearlings each bringing $170,000.

The most active buyer was Kenneth McPeek, agent, who acquired nine yearlings for $895,000, including a Midshipman colt and a Beau Liam colt, highlighting the depth of talent and demand at this historic sale.

Among consignors, Taylor Made Sales Agency led the leaderboard, selling 31 yearlings for $1,146,000.

With the $500 million barrier surpassed, the 2025 Keeneland September Sale cements itself as a historic moment, reflecting not only the market’s strength but also renewed confidence, enthusiasm, and opportunities for breeding and selling thoroughbreds worldwide.