Lush Lips Headlines Opening Session of Keeneland November

The G1 Winner Brings $3.7 Million; Argentine Mares Sarawak Rim, Ayra Stark, Obia Star, and Nueva Fragancia Fail to Meet Reserve

Lush Lips Entered the Sale Fresh Off Her Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Victory at Keeneland / KEENELAND

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special to Turf Diario) — The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale opened its prestigious Book 1 session Monday with palpable enthusiasm and prices that reflected a buoyant, confident marketplace. The star of the evening was Lush Lips, the English filly who only weeks ago captured the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup over the same Keeneland turf. Presented by Taylor Made Sales Agency, she sold for $3.7 million to Dixiana Farm, the session’s top price.

The daughter of Ten Sovereigns and Lamyaa was purchased by William Shively, owner of Dixiana, who said: “We were looking for quality turf fillies who can really run, and Lush Lips fits that program perfectly. She’ll remain in training with Brendan Walsh.”

In a session marked by strong demand for both broodmares and weanlings, 17 horses sold for $1 million or more, including three that exceeded the $3 million mark. In total, 122 horses changed hands for $72,737,000, averaging $596,205 with a median of $422,500—representing increases of between 16% and 36% from last year’s opening session.

Among the other notable transactions, Vahva (Gun Runner), recent runner-up in the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, was sold to Killora/Linton, agent for Boyd Racing, for $3.1 million. Kilwin (Twirling Candy), another Grade I winner, brought $3 million, while Buchu (Justify), in foal to Not This Time, and Super Simple (Super Saver), dam of juvenile champion Super Corredora (Gun Runner), each realized $2.3 million—the latter as part of the full dispersal of Woodford Thoroughbreds.

The weanling market was also on fire, led by a Gun Runner colt who sold for $2.2 million, the highest-priced weanling at this sale since 2015. Foals by Curlin and Into Mischief also drew major attention, selling for $1.25 million and $950,000, respectively.

“It was a fantastic day from start to finish,” said Shannon Arvin, Keeneland’s President and CEO. “There was great energy, confidence, and excitement. Seeing some of the best racehorses return here as breeding stars is truly special for us.”

For the Argentine-bred mares, however, it wasn’t a fortunate day—none of the four offerings met their reserve prices. Sarawak Rim (Remote) and Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) were the top-priced among them, both reaching $725,000without a final buyer, while Obia Star (Star Runner) and Nueva Fragancia (Hurricane Cat) were bid to $120,000 and $90,000, respectively.

Tony Lacy, Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales, noted the strong presence of domestic buyers: “Most of the major purchases were made by American breeders. It’s an encouraging shift, showing renewed confidence and reinvestment in the future of U.S. racing.”

Once again, the opening session of Keeneland November painted a vivid picture of global market strength—high values, elite pedigrees, and a growing appetite for the very best broodmares and foals in North America. For the Argentine mares, opportunities may yet arise as the sale continues in the coming days.