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| Staff Writer |
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The Keeneland September Yearling Sale resumed with vigour following a one-day break, as the world's top buyers, including notable Middle Eastern interests, continued to drive strong results. The auction, now in its 80th year, has seen impressive growth across the board, with the cumulative gross reaching a staggering US$336,408,000 for 1,166 horses sold over the first six sessions.
Saturday's session, marking the start of the Book 3 catalogue, saw 273 yearlings changing hands for a total of US$47,904,000. This represents a 2.58% increase from the same session last year. The average price rose by 7.09% to US$175,473, while the median jumped 15.38% to US$150,000.
The day's highlight came when a colt by Practical Joke commanded a US$900,000 bid from agent Monique Delk, acting on behalf of Vinnie Viola's St. Elias Stable. Consigned by Gainesway, the colt is a half-brother to Gr.1-placed Reinvestment Risk and hails from the family of Gr.3 winner My List.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, Middle Eastern buyers have historically been significant players at the Keeneland sales. Entities such as Shadwell Estate, owned by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Godolphin, the racing stable of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have been known to make substantial purchases at this venue.
Sunday's session saw exciting young stallions taking centre stage. A colt from the first crop of Gr.1 winner Maxfield topped the day at US$575,000, purchased by Three Amigos. Consigned by Indian Creek, the colt is out of the Pulpit mare Bible Belt and hails from the family of French champion Caracolero.
Another Maxfield colt, this time from the family of Racing Hall of Famer Tiznow and Gr.1 winner Paynter, fetched US$525,000 from agent Kenneth McPeek. McPeek led Sunday's buyers, spending US$1,445,000 on five yearlings.
The first crop of Gr.1 winner Yaupon also made waves, with a colt from the family of Canadian champions Catch the Ring and Catch the Thrill selling for US$475,000 to Monique Delk, agent.
While specific Middle Eastern purchases at this year's sale were not detailed in the provided information, the region's impact on the Thoroughbred industry cannot be overstated. Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, for instance, has been a leading buyer at Keeneland sales for many years, often securing top-priced lots.
In recent years, Saudi Arabian interests have also become more prominent in the global Thoroughbred market. The introduction of the Saudi Cup, the world's richest horse race, has further heightened the region's profile in international racing circles.
The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has a rich history of producing top-class racehorses. Notable alumni include 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, sold for US$500,000 in 2016, and 2015 Triple Crown hero American Pharoah, who changed hands for US$300,000 in 2013. Both colts went on to become Horse of the Year in their respective racing seasons.
As the sale progresses, industry insiders are noting the continued strength of the upper market, with a particular emphasis on well-bred colts by proven sires. The robust trade is seen as a positive indicator for the broader Thoroughbred industry, despite ongoing economic uncertainties.
Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland's Director of Sales Operations, commented on the current market: "We're seeing a healthy mix of domestic and international buyers, which is always a good sign. The quality of the stock on offer continues to attract discerning buyers from around the globe."
With six days of selling complete and six more to go, the Keeneland September Yearling Sale is on track to potentially surpass last year's impressive figures. The 2023 sale saw 2,847 yearlings sold for a total of US$403,265,600, with an average price of US$141,646.
As the auction moves into its second week, attention will turn to the later books, which often provide opportunities for value buyers and pinhookers looking for next year's sales prospects. The continued presence of Middle Eastern buyers, alongside other international interests, is expected to contribute to the strong trade through to the final session.