Keeneland Sales & Racing Update, May 12

To our customers:

Thanks to all who submitted entries to the 2020 September Yearling Sale. We appreciate your patience and diligence in coordinating with us to enter horses during this unique time when many are working remotely. Mindy, Sidney and Mara are processing entries and they have started the inspection scheduling process.

While we have shared this with you in previous communications, a reminder that you have until June 12 to withdraw without paying entry fees. Invoices will be issued on June 1 for yearlings who are still entered as of this date. Should you wish to withdraw between June 1-12 after invoices are issued, our sales accounting team will reconcile your accounts for those withdrawn horses.

Our entire sales team is focusing on preparedness as we look ahead to the fall, and we are thoughtfully planning for every scenario. Yet we remain optimistic that we will have attendees at the September Sale to participate in a live auction, and we are taking tremendous steps to ensure a safe environment for everyone. As always, we stand ready to answer any questions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

In addition, we wanted to share further news on the sales front:

Technology Update

Keeneland conducted a focus group with a cross section of buyers, sellers and consignors last week regarding our online auction platform that has been in development for some time now. This technology would allow Keeneland to host online sales and bring horses to market year-round.

Additionally, we continue to expand remote bidding options – both via phone and online – which will be integrated into our live sales. Look for more details on this technology in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, our sales team is working closely with our IT specialists to identify functions within the auction process where Keeneland could introduce contactless options – from the Repository to ticket signing and beyond – that would allow us to conduct typical business practices within a safe and healthy environment.

Inspections

Keeneland will begin yearling inspections for the September Sale on Monday, May 18, in Kentucky. We have worked closely with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to ensure our yearling inspection process will meet all safety protocols. Please click here to view the protocols and best practices that Keeneland and farms are to follow this summer.