Home » Keeneland September Sale Saturday session posts double-digit gains

Keeneland September Sale Saturday session posts double-digit gains

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2012) – The strong pace continued Saturday at the Keeneland September Sale, with double-digit gains in gross, average and median.

On Saturday, Keeneland sold 296 horses for $25,791,000, an increase of 25.12 percent over 2011 when 280 horses brought $20,613,500. Average price for the day of $87,132 rose 18.35 percent from last year’s session average of $73,620. The median price of $70,000 was up 37.25 percent from the $51,000 posted in 2011.

The buy-back rate on Saturday was 21.07 percent, down 10.34 percent compared to 23.5 at this comparable session last year.

After five days, 951 yearlings have been sold for $158,644,000, for an average of $166,818 and a median of $120,000. Last year through six sessions (includes two select sessions in 2011 versus one in 2012), 1,033 horses had been sold for $165,830,000, an average of $160,532 and a median of $110,000. The average and median rose 3.92 percent and 9.09 percent respectively.

“The session started strong and stayed strong all the way through,” said Walt Robertson, vice president of sales. “Every number was right. We sold six horses for more than $300,000 and the buyback rate was 21.07, which is lower compared to this session last year.”

A colt by Empire Maker commanded the session’s top price, selling for $430,000 to bloodstock agent Mike Ryan. Consigned by Lane’s End as agent, the colt is out of the stakes-winning Pupit mare Katerbug who is a half-sister to Private Terms Stakes winner Raconteur.

A Birdstone colt out of the Grand Slam mare Grand Portege sold for $385,000 to Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation. Consigned by Gainesway as agent, the dam is a half-sister to Preakness winner Shackleford.

The September Sale continues through Friday, Sept. 21. Sessions begin at 10 a.m.

The entire sale is streamed live at Keeneland.com.