LEXINGTON, Ky. — Keeneland’s 80th September Yearling Sale began Monday with robust trade that produced healthy results and the sale of eight horses for $1 million or more, headlined by an Into Mischief filly sold for $2.3 million to Shadwell Racing and an Uncle Mo colt for $2 million, purchased by Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing.
Total sales for 110 horses reached $55,330,000, down slightly from last year’s first session gross of $57,095,000 when 114 horses, including nine seven-figure horses, sold. The average of $503,000 was up from last year’s $500,833, while the median dipped 11.11% from $450,000 to $400,000.
The diversity of buyers participating in today’s session was borne out by the fact that 10 different interests purchased the top 10 highest-priced horses.
The session-topping filly, whom Gainesway consigned, an agent, is out of Grade 3 winner Delightful Joy by Tapit and is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Window Shopping. She is from the Grade 3 winners Graeme Six and Cali Star family.
A colt by Uncle Mo, who is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner and sire Collected, sold to Zedan Racing for $2 million. Runnymede Farm, the agent, consigned the colt, who is out of the winning Johannesburg mare Helena Bay (GB) and from the family of Group 2 winner Royal Kingdom (IRE) and stakes winners Koala Princess, Artilena and Woodwin W.
Jersey City Destroyers Stable paid $1.7 million for a colt by Into Mischief, a half-brother to 2023 Suburban (G2) winner Charge It. Consigned by Gainesway, agent, he is out of the Indian Charlie mare I’ll Take Charge, a daughter of Kentucky Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady, and from the family of champions Will Take Charge and Take Charge Brandi and Grade 1 winner and sire Omaha Beach.
The colt was bred by Mandy Pope, who sold horses for the first time with Gainesway. The group included another seven-figure horse, a colt by Into Mischief purchased by Grandview Equine for $1.1 million.
Gainesway led all consignors Monday by selling 12 yearlings for $9,610,000.
Winchell Thoroughbreds went to $1.4 million for a colt by Into Mischief, the first foal out of multiple Grade 1 winner Guarana, by Ghostzapper. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent, he is from the family of Grade 1 winner Pleasant Home and stakes winners Beatbox and Magic Dance.
Two colts by Uncle Mo sold for $1.35 million apiece.
The partnership of Sonson, Woodford, West Point, LEB, agent, acquired the first half-brother to champion Midnight Bisou, 2023 Indiana Derby (G3) winner Verifying and stakes winner Stage Left. Hunter Valley Farm agent consigned him.
Also selling for $1.35 million was a son of Uncle Mo purchased by M.V. Magnier. Consigned by Penn Sales, agent for Bar C Racing Stables, the colt is out of the War Front mare Forever for Now and from the family of leading sire Galileo (IRE) and other European standouts such as Black Sam Bellamy and Sea the Stars along with Grade 1 winner My Typhoon (IRE).
Purchased by Grandview Equine was a colt by Into Mischief out of multiple Grade 1 winner American Gal, by Concord Point, and from the family of Grade/Group 1 winner Seventh Street and Reynaldothewizard. He was the first seller of the day for breeder Mandy Pope.
Selling for $1 million to John Stewart was a colt by Into Mischief, who is a full brother to multiple Grade 1 winners and sire Practical Joke. He is out of Halo Humor and is consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, by Distorted Humor.
The session’s leading buyer was West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable, who spent $3,345,000 for 10 horses.
