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Market Continues to Show Strength as Keeneland September Yearling Sale Reaches Halfway Mark

Brisk trade continued at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale on Sunday – led by a colt from the first crop of Grade 1 winner Maxfield purchased for $575,000 by Three Amigos – as gross sales reached $336 million for the first six sessions of the 12-day auction.

Since the Sept. 9 start of the September Sale, Keeneland has sold 1,166 horses through the ring for $336,408,000, for an average of $288,515 and a median of $210,000. The gross is 5.17% higher than the same period last year, when 1,199 yearlings brought $319,865,000. The average is 8.15% above the $266,776 posted in 2023, and the median is 5% above last year’s $200,000. 

Keeneland on Sunday sold 253 yearlings for $35,976,000, down 7.44% from last year’s total of $38,868,000 when 277 horses sold. The average of $142,198 rose 1.34% from $140,318 in 2023, and the median of $110,000 increased 10% from last year’s $100,000.

Yearlings by exciting young stallions were among the headliners during Sunday’s session. 

The top-priced Maxfield colt, consigned by Indian Creek, agent, is out of the winning Pulpit mare Bible Belt and a half-brother to stakes-placed Hardworkcleanlivin, Gospel Way and Happy Boy Rocket. He is from the family of French champion and sire Caracolero and stakes winners Buckeye Search, General A Rod and Bahamian Sunshine. 

Case Clay Thoroughbred Management acquired a colt by Nyquist out of the stakes-placed Quality Road mare Slimey for $550,000. Consigned by Knockgriffin Farm, agent, he is from the family of European champion Rainbow View and Grade 1 winner No Matter What. 

Kenneth McPeek, agent, spent $525,000 for a colt by Maxfield and from the family of Racing Hall of Famer and sire Tiznow and Grade 1 winner Paynter. Warrendale Sales, agent, consigned the son of the Awesome Again mare Virtuoso.

McPeek paid $1,445,000 for five yearlings to lead buyers.

Two yearlings sold for $475,000 each.

A colt from the first crop of Grade 1 winner Yaupon from the family of Canadian champions Catch the Ring and Catch the Thrill was purchased by Monique Delk, agent, for the amount. Consigned by Scott Mallory, agent for Buena Madera, he is out of the Tiznow mare Seize the Ring.

Mike Ryan, agent, paid $475,000 for a colt by Candy Ride (ARG) from the family of champion and sire Speightstown, Canadian champion Silken Cat and Preakness (G1) winner Early Voting. Out of Caught Looking, a winning daughter of Super Saver, he was consigned by Scott Mallory, agent for Determined Stud.

With sales of $3,889,000 for 29 horses, Taylor Made Sales Agency was the leading consignor.

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The September Sale continues Monday at 10 a.m. ET and runs each day through Saturday, Sept. 21. The entire auction is streamed live at Keeneland.com.