September at Keeneland Concludes With All-Time Record

Over 12 sessions, 3,070 horses sold for $531,520,400—the highest gross ever recorded at a Thoroughbred auction—with 56 yearlings bringing $1 million or more and topped by a $3.3-million son of Gun Runner

The September sale-topper: a colt by Gun Runner./ KEENELAND

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The 2025 Keeneland September Yearling Sale closed last Saturday with results that have already etched themselves into the annals of global Thoroughbred racing. Across 12 sessions, held September 8–20, the storied auction posted sales of $531,520,400, setting an all-time record worldwide.

A total of 3,070 yearlings changed hands, representing a 24% increase over 2024’s $428 million and establishing a new benchmark for the market. The sale topper was a Gun Runner colt, purchased for $3.3 million by the partnership of M. V. Magnier, White Birch Farm (Peter Brant), and Winchell Thoroughbreds.

The numbers spoke for themselves: 56 yearlings sold for $1 million or more, a new record for the sale compared with 40 in 2005, while 266 yearlings crossed the $500,000 mark. A total of 120 buyers spent $1 million or more, and 18 exceeded $5 million, drawing participants from 33 countries—a testament to the international reach of the event.

“This has been an incredible sale,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “The energy was consistent, with buyers from around the world and a vibrant atmosphere. This success is a direct result of the trust breeders, consignors, and buyers place in Keeneland year after year.”

Session 2 stood out as one of the most memorable in market history, featuring 20 seven-figure yearlings and record average and median prices of $675,180 and $550,000, respectively. The first week, highlighted by Books 1 and 2, set the tone with over $307 million in sales and 53 seven-figure offerings.

In the consignor standings, Taylor Made Sales Agency once again led the way, as it has since 1988, selling 333 yearlings for a record $68.5 million, including a Gun Runner colt purchased by Wesley Ward for $2.2 million. Gainesway, Lane’s End, Paramount, Hill ’n’ Dale, and Clearsky Farms also stood out, the latter featuring a Flightline filly at $1.6 million that boosted its average to $604,167.

Among sires, Not This Time led the rankings with 55 yearlings for $38.58 million, including 14 seven-figure offerings and a top of $2 million for a filly. Gun Runner followed closely with 40 sold for $35.08 million, while Flightline’sfirst crop made a strong impact, with 44 yearlings grossing $30.55 million, highlighted by a filly purchased by LSU Stables for $2.2 million—a record for any of the champion’s offspring at auction.

“Keeneland September is the heart of the industry,” summarized Mark Taylor, President of Taylor Made. “When all the pieces are healthy and work together, things like this happen.”

In short, the 2025 edition of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale not only shattered records but reaffirmed its position as a global benchmark, signaling a bright future for breeding and racing worldwide.