Spangled Banner makes history at Keeneland: $1 million on Day 5

The dam of Grade 1 winner U. S. S. Valor, offered in foal to Tiz the Law, became the first hip to hit seven figures during this stage of the auction. Cumulative gross surpassed $217 million as the sale continues to outpace 2025 numbers

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— A 15-year-old mare accomplished what no other hip had ever achieved in the history of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale: hitting the $1 million mark during the auction's fifth session. Spangled Banner, the dam of promising U. S. S. Valor (War of Will), was acquired by Al Ruwais Stables in a transaction that set a new benchmark for a sale continuing to exhibit relentless demand for elite bloodlines.

The daughter of Tiz Wonderful, consigned by Bluewater Sales and offered in foal to Tiz the Law, generated intense bidding following the recent exploits of her 2-year-old son, who captured the Champagne Stakes (G1) by a commanding 6 1/2 lengths on October 3.

That victory instantly established U. S. S. Valor among the leaders of his crop while dramatically elevating the market profile of his dam, who carries a half-sibling to the Grade 1 winner.

Spangled Banner, a winner herself, is a half-sister to stakes winner Ladyecho (Alphabet Soup). Out of Eastern Ruckus (Eastern Echo), her extended family features Curalina (Curlin), a multi-time Grade 1 heroine.

The seven-figure hammer price paid by Al Ruwais Stables represented the 25th million-dollar transaction of this year's edition, eclipsing the 18 recorded through the entire comparative 2025 sale.

Day 5 saw 246 horses sell for $21,397,000, representing a 15.52 percent decline compared to the $25,328,500 grossed during the corresponding session last year.

The daily average reached $86,980, while the median settled at $70,000, down 17.65 percent from the $85,000 recorded in 2025.

Through five days of selling, Keeneland has cataloged 1,038 horses sold for a cumulative gross of $217,742,700—a 1.34 percent increase over the same period a year ago.

The overall average rose to $209,772, reflecting a 9.83 percent gain, though the median dipped 11.54 percent to $115,000.

Among the session's other high-water marks, a weanling colt by Tiz the Law out of Teasin' Tesla (Will Take Charge) was acquired by Tioga Bloodstock for $375,000, setting the top price for the foal category on Saturday.

Strong interest also centered on Wellston (Speightstown), a 4-year-old in foal to Sierra Leone, who was purchased by Springland Farm for $335,000. She is a half-sister to Sister Troienne (Munnings), recent winner of the Valley View Stakes (G2) at Keeneland.

Another notable weanling was a filly by Golden Pal, secured by Caitlin Dunne, signing on behalf of Wesley Ward,for $285,000.

Meanwhile, Shared Value (Gun Runner), a 3-year-old in foal to Mindframe, brought $280,000, while a colt by Vekoma and the mare Tahini (American Pharoah) realized $260,000 apiece.

Al Ruwais Stables finished as the day's leading buyer with two purchases totaling $1,110,000. In addition to Spangled Banner, they secured Wild Mint (Medaglia D'Oro), a full sister to sire Violence, for $110,000.

On the consignment side, Gainesway led the way, grossing $3,364,000 for 39 horses sold.

With four sessions remaining, Keeneland's daily indicators continue to reflect market selectivity, yet the cumulative figures remain comfortably ahead of 2025 metrics.

Spangled Banner provided the ultimate highlight: a Grade 1 producer capable of breaching the million-dollar threshold well after the auction entered its second half.