The World's Yearling Sale

September 12 - 23, 2022

This September, buyers and sellers from around the globe will converge on Lexington, Kentucky for the most influential event in Thoroughbred sales. Join us as the next generation of Thoroughbred stars take center stage, at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, beginning Monday, September 12.

Returning Format a Key to September Success

Majority of buyers and consignors agree that a consistent format in September is beneficial

Keeneland’s sales team works diligently to stage the September Yearling Sale in a way that permits the young equine stock to be evaluated in the best manner possible. The goal is to have robust trade from start to finish, with yearlings cataloged according to their projected commercial value based on breeding and conformational traits. Keeneland’s inspection teams will inspect at least 60% of the sale’s entrants in order to assist with their ideal placement.

The Consignors' Take on September Sale

Keeneland September attracts a diverse group of consignors who sell their yearlings annually, ranging from large breeding farms with sales divisions to mom-and-pop operations with a handful of employees.

2021 September Sale Surge

As Thoroughbred racing, breeding, and sales emerged from the worldwide pandemic, a broad swath of the international horse industry descended on Keeneland for the 2021 edition of the September Yearling Sale.

Book 1 Sets the Tone for Keeneland September

Regardless of format, Book 1 consistently kicks off the Keeneland September Yearling Sale with a bang, producing by far the highest average and median figures.

Increased Interest in September Yearlings

Since its inception 78 years ago, the Keeneland September Yearling Sale has led the way as the primary source for future equine athletes that perform successfully at all levels on the racetrack.

Keeneland September is The Yearling Marketplace

When breeders ponder where to sell their prized Thoroughbred yearlings, they naturally consider the Keeneland September Yearling Sale first. The world’s largest yearling auction has consistently proven to be the best marketplace for not only achieving the best price in exchange for their efforts but also as the primary source for buyers to acquire athletes that successfully compete at the highest levels.

Book 1 Attracts the Attention

Pre-sale veterinary activity in the repository is a barometer of serious buyer interest in the yearlings on offer. In 2021, Book 1 yearlings received more repository hits and video scope views (of 30 seconds or more) on average than yearlings in subsequent books. This reflects the demand and interest that the buying base has for the cream of the North American yearling crop.

Shining Bright on the World Stage

When Emblem Road crossed the finish line first in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) on Feb. 26 in Saudi Arabia, it led a sweep of the top three positions in the world’s richest Thoroughbred race by graduates of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

That September Sale grads would dominate the top race in the world is no surprise, as the iconic sales company makes a concerted effort to recruit the most diverse group of international buyers to their sales annually.

Success Breeds Success

Keeneland September Yearling Sale graduates dominated the world racing circuit in 2021, and the connections of those international champions return to the world’s major source of equine talent seeking to replicate those successes.

Yearling Buyers' Dreams Come True

Keeneland September Yearling Sale buyers dream of acquiring athletic individuals that go on to achieve success on racing’s biggest stages.