Keeneland opened its November sale with nearly $96 million USD in gross sales, featuring Quietside as the undisputed star of the session

The daughter of Malibu Moon, offered in foal to Nyquist, commanded a top bid of $5,200,000 USD during an explosive opening session that surged 31.88% compared to 2025. A total of 23 horses breached the million-dollar barrier, driven by relentless demand for elite broodmares and top-tier bloodstock

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent for Turf Diario in Lexington, Kentucky)

LEXINGTON, Kentucky.— Buyers proved once again that they are willing to unleash extraordinary figures for top-tier maternal lines. The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale kicked off its 83rd edition with a formidable opening session: $95,929,000 USD grossed, 23 horses sold for $1 million or more, and a daughter of Malibu Moon, Quietside,turning into the undisputed star of the ring by commanding a top bid of $5,200,000 USD.

The first of nine cataloged sessions delivered impressive overall numbers. A total of 152 head changed hands at an average price of $631,112 USD—up 5.85% over last year’s opening session—while the median rested at $400,000 USD, reflecting a slight 5.33% dip. Gross sales posted an explosive 31.88% surge, while seven-figure transactions expanded from 17 to 23.

Quietside, a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed mare with over $1 million in career earnings, entered the ring consigned by Stone Farm, offered in foal for the first time to Nyquist. She was secured by Erdenheim Farm Thoroughbreds, who also spent $2,600,000 USD for Kilwin (Twirling Candy) to finish as the session's leading buyer with an aggregate investment of $7,800,000 USD.

The daughter of Malibu Moon and Grade 2 winner Benner Island also achieved distinction as the highest-priced mare sold at public auction in the United States in 2026.

"It's spectacular. We foaled her, raised her, and now she came back home to us after her racing career. She's a truly special mare who checks every single box," celebrated Lynn Hancock of Stone Farm.

The family of John Ed Anthony, original breeder and owner of Quietside, explained that the sale represents part of a gradual broodmare reduction after five decades of active involvement in the sport.

The session's second-highest price went to Ahavah (City of Light), a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Vahva, who was knocked down to Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa for $4,800,000 USD. Consigned by Lane's End, the mare was offered in foal to Gun Runner.

Meanwhile, Admit (Blame), a Grade 2 winner in foal to Life Is Good, fetched $3,100,000 USD from M.V. Magnierand White Birch Farm. Flag Day (Giant's Causeway), dam of Grade 3 winner Hall of Fame (Gun Runner) and offered back in foal to the stellar son of Candy Ride, reached $2,900,000 USD, going to Whisper Hill Farm.

Two offerings landed matching $2,600,000 USD bids: Kilwin (Twirling Candy), who finished fourth in Friday's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), and On Time Girl (Not This Time), a Grade 2 winner secured by Heider Family Stables.

Particular interest centered on the offering of Eve of War (Declaration of War), dam of The Puma (Essential Quality), the recent runner-up behind Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). Offered in foal to Sierra Leone, she was bought by Al Ruwais Stables for $2,400,000 USD.

"We acquired a 25% stake in The Puma five weeks ago. Our aim is to build a high-class broodmare band capable of competing in the world's premier races," explained Bertie Butler, representative for the buyer. A weanling colt out of Eve of War by Practical Joke also brought $900,000 USD during the session.

Godolphin went to $2,100,000 USD to secure Expensive Queen (Lope de Vega), dead-heat winner of the Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1) and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

Among the weanling crop, top honors belonged to a $1,300,000 USD colt by Justify, a full-brother to Ruling Court,winner of the 2000 Guineas (G1) in England.

Taylor Made Sales Agency finished atop the consignors' standings, selling 34 horses for a gross total of $22,885,000 USD.

"It was an incredible day. We had a deep catalog, buyers active across multiple global markets, and extraordinary energy in the building," summarized Keeneland President Shannon Arvin.

Tony Lacy, Vice President of Sales, noted that total gross revenue nearly doubled the figures from two years ago,attributing the surge to buyer confidence and sustained international outreach.

With eight sessions remaining on the schedule, Keeneland delivered a resounding opening statement: the market for elite breeding stock retains huge demand, with world-class families continuing to command multi-million dollar valuations.