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.
In Their Words: Buyers on Why Keeneland September is The Sale
As the world’s largest Thoroughbred yearling sale, the Keeneland September Sale draws an international cast of buyers lured by an extensive catalog steeped in quality and quantity. In their words, buyers reflect on why September is the premier marketplace.
September Sale Grads Sweep Belmont Stakes
With a sweep of the top three positions in the 154th edition of the Belmont (G1), Keeneland September Yearling Sale graduates reinforced what astute Thoroughbred owners and trainers have long known: the world’s largest yearling sale is the premier source of bloodstock that succeed at the classic level.
Déjà Vu for September Sale Classic Success
Victory by Early Voting in the May 21 Preakness (G1) provided a déjà vu moment for the winning connections of owner Seth Klarman, trainer Chad Brown and the bloodstock team of Mike and Mary Ryan. This same team (and price tag) was behind 2017 Preakness winner Cloud Computing.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
