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| Staff Writer |
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The appetite for quality colts showing no signs of abating at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, with a colt by Not This Time fetching top honours on day nine. The Kentucky-bred youngster, consigned by Woods Edge Farm, went under the hammer for a cool US$350,000, snapped up by Justin Casse.
Not This Time's progeny continuing to make waves, with the sire currently occupying second spot in the standings through nine sessions. His yearlings have grossed an impressive US$28,147,000 from 82 lots sold, averaging US$343,256 per head.
The session-topping colt boasts a pedigree steeped in success, being out of the graded stakes-producing mare Running Creek. The Cape Town matron has produced 12 foals to race, all winners, including full sibling Easy Time, victor in the 2021 Gr.3 Marine Stakes at Woodbine for Justin's brother, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse.
Justin Casse, clearly impressed with his purchase, remarking: "He was a very nice physical, well put together, very good walker, presented well as Woods Edge horses usually are. He had a good pedigree, his pedigree stood out in this book."
Peter O'Callaghan of Woods Edge Farm highlighting the rarity of such consistent producers: "(Running Creek) is 12 for 12. Very few mares in the studbook in America go 12 for 12 these days, it's so hard to keep them sound."
O'Callaghan adding: "This colt had some credentials, and he vetted. So when you have those colts that tick those boxes, you've got a shot to sell very well. It's been a good trade here today, trade is great for nice colts."
While colts dominated the top end, fillies weren't far behind. A daughter of first-crop sire Vekoma out of the Mineshaft mare Bay Witch commanded US$180,000, the day's highest price for a filly. The Kentucky-bred lass, consigned by Greenfield Farms, found a new home with Team D.
The ninth session saw 308 horses changing hands for a total of US$13,774,000, averaging US$44,623 with a median of US$35,000. The RNA rate stood at a respectable 13.7%, with 49 lots failing to meet their reserve.
Gainesway emerged as the session's leading consignor, with 22 yearlings grossing US$1,227,000. Kenny McPeek continued his buying spree, leading the purchasers for the fourth consecutive day with seven acquisitions totalling US$515,000. Vekoma topped the sire standings with four sold for a combined US$540,000.
The figures closely mirrored last year's ninth session, which saw 308 horses, including private sales, grossing US$13,717,700 at an average of US$44,538 and a median of US$32,000.
O'Callaghan, reflecting on the consistent demand, noted: "It's been a great crowd every book. There's a lot of money around and a great crowd today. When it goes well, it's good, and that's what keeps us all going. We get a few good ones and that just carries the day, and we have to live with the down parts, and that's what we're doing."
The Gr.1 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, a cornerstone of the bloodstock calendar, has a rich history of producing future champions. Notable alumni include Kentucky Derby winners Animal Kingdom and Always Dreaming, as well as Breeders' Cup Classic victor Authentic.
As the sale progresses, the industry's focus remains fixed on unearthing the next generation of equine stars, with buyers and sellers alike navigating the delicate balance of pedigree, conformation, and potential.