Keeneland slowed its pace, but sales have already surpassed US$ 135 million

Zee Drop, a daughter of Lemon Drop Kid in foal to Flightline, topped the second day of the November Breeding Stock Sale at $1,000,000. The session saw a 16.53% decline, though cumulative gross figures maintain a 12.79% improvement over 2025

LEXINGTON, Kentucky.— Following Tuesday's explosive opening session, which saw Quietside (Malibu Moon) reach $5,200,000, the market at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale settled into a more moderate pace during its second day. Nevertheless, demand for quality broodmares remained firm, with cumulative figures continuing to track above last year's totals.

The star of Wednesday's session was Zee Drop (Lemon Drop Kid), a 10-year-old mare in foal to Flightline, for whom Al Ruwais Stables shelled out $1,000,000. Consigned by Lane's End, she became the 24th horse to reach seven figures over the opening two sessions, compared to 18 during the same period in 2025.

Bertie Butler represented the buyer in the transaction, highlighting both the mare's quality and the commercial appeal of the cover.

“She’s a really, really good mare, high quality, with a fantastic cover. I loved her. We are trying to buy good mares for Saleh Al Otaibi, and we are very happy,” he explained.

Zee Drop is the dam of Kokomotion (Quality Road), third in this year's Florida Oaks (G3), and a half-sister to stakes winner The Reds (Tonalist). Her family features G1 winner Wickedly Perfect (Congrats).

Al Ruwais Stables finished as the leading buyer of the session, making five acquisitions for $2,455,000 to confirm their strong presence in the American broodmare market.

In total, 210 horses changed hands on Wednesday for $39,535,000, yielding an average of $188,262 and a median of $150,000. Gross revenue dropped 16.53% compared to the second session of 2025, while the average slipped 6.59% and the median fell 6.25%.

The picture changes when factoring in both sessions combined: 362 horses sold for $135,464,000, representing a 12.79% increase over the previous year's $120,099,000. The cumulative average reached $374,210, an 11.24% bump,while the median remained steady at $225,000.

“The market was a bit more reserved than yesterday. We had a fantastic opening day, and today things were somewhat more normal. But the quality offerings continued to sell well,” explained Tony Lacy, Vice President of Sales at Keeneland.

Three mares shared the second-highest price of the day, fetching $650,000 each.

Runrate (Gun Runner), in foal to Nyquist and belonging to the family of champion Untapable (Tapit), was purchased by Green Lantern Stables. Shandy (Arrogate), dam of stakes winner Tatters (Girvin) and in foal to Army Mule, went to Repole Stable. Meanwhile, Shop Lifting (Into Mischief), in foal to Yaupon, was bought by St. Elias Stable.

Al Ruwais also paid $600,000 for Heavenly Scat (Scat Daddy), in foal to Munnings and dam of G3 winner Nu What's New (Munnings).

Among the weanlings, the top price belonged to a daughter of Arabian Knight, a half-sister to G1 winner Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo), acquired by Frisco Bloodstock for $485,000.

Taylor Made Sales Agency once again led all consignors, selling 35 head for $6,035,000.

Cormac Breathnach, Senior Director of Sales Operations at Keeneland, noted that pinhookers targeting weanlings remain active, though they have yet to deploy their full firepower.

“There are good horses coming up, and there is still a long way to go in the sale,” he noted.

With seven sessions still remaining in the November sale, the overall outlook remains encouraging. Opening-day euphoria gave way to a more selective marketplace, but Keeneland maintains a strong lead over its 2025 metrics as demand for premier families continues to support price levels.