The 72nd Keeneland September Yearling Sale, which begins today and runs through Saturday, Sept. 26, kicks off a momentous two months at Keeneland that will showcase the world’s best Thoroughbred sales and racing and focus attention on the Thoroughbred industry in Central Kentucky.
In October, Keeneland will present world-class racing during the 17-day Fall Meet from Oct. 2-24, Prelude to the Cup on Oct. 29 and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Oct. 30-31. Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale follows on Nov. 2-14.
The September Sale is globally regarded as the primary barometer of the state of the Thoroughbred industry and attracts the world’s major foreign and domestic buyers, top trainers and bloodstock advisers, and prominent juvenile sales consignors.
For 2015, 4,164 yearlings in the catalog represent 249 of the world’s elite stallions and include five horses from the first crop of undefeated European champion Frankel (GB).
This year, Keeneland is the only U.S.-based sales company to offer offspring by Frankel (GB), who stands in England.
The September Sale will open with a three-day Book 1, spanning Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 14-16. The three sessions begin at 11 a.m. daily
The sale will be streamed live on Keeneland.com
Craig Bandoroff, Denali Stud: “I’m really pleased with the number of Europeans as well as Japanese that are here,” said consignor Craig Bandoroff of Denali Stud in Bourbon County. “We want to have an international product, so I think that’s a real encouraging sign.”
Walker Hancock, Claiborne Farm, said, “I think with American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown, there is a lot of momentum for American racing. We’ve done well overseas this year with the American-breds, and people are realizing we have a lot of good stock here that they need to come buy.
“I think (the market) will be strong. I don’t see why it won’t be and won’t carry on the momentum we’ve created throughout the year so far.”