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| Staff Writer |
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Keeneland's September Yearling Sale continued its impressive run on Wednesday, with the third session marking a strong start to Book 2 of the catalogue. The day saw three yearlings fetch seven-figure prices, bringing the total number of million-dollar-plus sales to 34 – the highest figure since 2005 with nine days still remaining in the auction.
Leading the way were a colt by Tapit and a filly by Gun Runner, each commanding US$1.05 million. These standout lots contributed to a day of across-the-board increases, with 220 yearlings selling for a total of US$69,917,000, up 9.20% from the same session last year.
The Tapit colt, consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent, caught the eye of Donato Lanni, acting as agent for SF/Starlight/Madaket. Out of the Gr.3-winning Tale of Ekati mare Verve's Tale, the colt hails from a family rich in Gr.1 success, including Zoftig, Zo Impressive, and Zaftig.
Adrian Regan of Hunter Valley Farm expressed his delight: "You never know if you're going to get to a million or not. I think there were only 70 or so Tapits in this yearling crop, so there are not many of them anymore. (The yearling) was a lovely horse who showed excellently the whole week, and it's brilliant to do (this) for Mr. (Charles) Fipke."
Matching the Tapit colt's price was a filly by Gun Runner, purchased by Douglas Scharbauer. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the filly is out of the Gr.2-placed winner Always Carina and comes from the family of Breeders' Cup winners Structor and More Than Real.
Scharbauer, clearly impressed, stated: "I saw her for the first time this afternoon. Donny Denton and Ken Carson and I looked at her and liked her very much. I was hoping I would get her for less than a million dollars, but I can see why she brought that."
The robust market was evident throughout the session, with the average price reaching US$317,805, up 3.74% from last year, and the median rising 7.84% to US$275,000.
Tony Lacy, Keeneland Vice President of Sales, commented on the day's success: "We saw the same sort of momentum today, the trends, just rolling over. There was great positivity around the grounds. Consignors were very pleased, and buyers found it very tough in a competitive environment."
The cumulative figures for the first three days of the sale are equally impressive, with 424 horses sold for a total of US$189,482,000, marking a 4.72% increase from the corresponding period last year.
The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has a history of producing top-class racehorses. Previous graduates include American Pharoah, who went on to win the US Triple Crown in 2015, and Taiba, winner of the 2022 Pennsylvania Derby (Gr.1) and Santa Anita Derby (Gr.1).
As the sale continues, the industry watches with keen interest to see which of this year's purchases might join the ranks of these illustrious predecessors