The Keeneland September Yearling Sale completed its sixth of 11 sessions on Sunday with cumulative sales of $278 million, exceeding total sales of $238 million recorded for last year’s entire 12-day auction.
To date, Keeneland has sold 1,169 yearlings through the ring for $278,883,000, for an average of $238,565 and a median of $180,000.
Demand for Thoroughbred racing prospects continued to drive strong results Sunday, the final day of Book 3, when 280 yearlings brought $33,461,000, for an average of $119,504 and a median of $87,500.
First-crop sire City of Light was represented by Sunday’s two top-priced yearlings and three of the session’s five high sellers.
Topping the session was a colt by City of Light from the family of recent TVG Del Mar Debutante (G1) winner Grace Adler who sold for $700,000 to West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable and St. Elias. Consigned by Farfellow Farms, he is out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Hessie’s Girl and also from the family of Grade 1 winner Bullsbay and Grade 3 winner Our Khrysty. Our Khrysty is the dam of Grace Adler.
West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable and St. Elias, was the session’s leading buyer, acquiring five yearlings for $1,325,000.
Breeze Easy/Tom McGreevy, agent, paid $525,000 for a filly by City of Light who is a half-sister to stakes winner Mizzen Beau. Her dam, the stakes-placed Donna Getyourgun, by Stormy Atlantic, is a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 winner Clearly a Queen. The filly was consigned by Warrendale Sales, agent.
A colt by Violence brought $500,000 from Maverick Racing. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigned the colt, who is out of the winning Congrats mare Tulira’s Star and from the family of Grade 3 winner Mountain General.
With sales of $3,557,000 for 29 yearlings, Taylor Made Sales Agency was the session’s leading consignor.
BBA Ireland went to $475,000 for a colt by Gun Runner who is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Royal Mo and stakes winner Tara From the Cape. Consigned by Brandywine Farm and Gun Runner Syndicate, he is out of Royal Irish Lass, by Saint Ballado, and from the family of Grade 2 winner Irish Linnet.
City of Light also sired the colt from the family of champion Xtra Heat who sold to Wesley Ward for $460,000. Woodford Thoroughbreds, agent, consigned the colt, whose dam is the Congrats mare Sudden Heat.
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The September Sale continues tomorrow and runs through Friday, Sept. 24. All sessions begin at 10 a.m. ET.
The entire September Sale is streamed live at Keeneland.com.