Robust trade among the world’s top buyers continued to produce strong results as the Keeneland September Yearling Sale resumed Saturday following a one-day break. The day was headlined by across-the-board growth and the sale of a colt by Practical Joke for $900,000 to Monique Delk, agent.

On Saturday, the first day of the Book 3 catalog, 273 yearlings sold through the ring for $47,904,000, up 2.58% from last year’s comparable session when 285 horses brought $46,697,000. The average of $175,473 increased 7.09% over $163,849 in 2023. The median rose 15.38% from $130,000 to $150,000. 

Cumulatively, 913 horses have grossed $300,432,000, an increase of 6.92% from the same period in 2023 when 922 horses sold for $280,997,000. The average of $329,060 rose 7.97% from $304,769 last year, while the median was up 11.11% from $225,000 to $250,000. 

Delk purchased the session-topping Practical Joke colt, who is a half-brother to Grade 1-placed Reinvestment Risk, on behalf of Vinnie Viola’s St. Elias Stable. Consigned by Gainesway, agent, he is out of Ridingwiththedevil, a winning daughter of Candy Ride (ARG) and from the family of Grade 3 winner My List.

Delk was the leading buyer Saturday, spending $2,335,000 for five horses.

Gainesway led all consignors with sales of $6,495,000 for 22 yearlings. They included horses that brought the day’s three highest prices.

Gainesway, agent, consigned a colt by Liam’s Map sold to Pin Oak Stud for $700,000. Out of the winning Bernardini mare Pop a Choc, he is from the family of Grade 1 winner Sea Cadet and Grade 2 winners Airoforce and On Target.

A Constitution colt from the family of Racing Hall of Famer Chris Evert, Grade 1 winner Confessional and multiple graded stakes winner Overheard consigned by Gainesway, agent, sold to Whisper Hill Farm/Monique Delk, agent, for $675,000. He is out of Whisper to Mama, by Medaglia d’Oro. 

Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt/Jackpot Farm paid $625,000 for a colt by Maclean’s Music from the family of Grade 1 winners Lady Tak and Volatile. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent, he is out of stakes winner Casual, by Curlin.

Walmac Farm spent $550,000 for a son of Good Magic who is a full brother to recent FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic (G1) winner Mixto. Farfellow Farms consigned the colt, who is out of the Concerto mare Musical Mystery and from the family of Grade 1 winners Rigoletta, Battle of Midway and Patternrecognition.

Donato Lanni, agent for SF/Starlight/Madaket, acquired a Nyquist colt for $525,000. Out of stakes-placed winner Oola Gal, by Quality Road and consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, he is from the family of multiple Grade 1 winner Strategic Maneuver. 

A colt by Speightstown from the family of multiple Grade 1 winner and sire Charlatan sold for $500,000 to JAS/Costa. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent for Don Alberto Corporation, he is out of the winning Super Saver mare Murrells Inlet and from the family of Grade 2 winners Authenticity and Rahys’ Appeal.