Keeneland has announced that 4,034 yearlings have been cataloged for the 78th annual Keeneland September Yearling Sale to be held over 11 sessions from Sept. 13-24.
Recognized globally as the Thoroughbred industry’s most important sale, the auction will feature a new format that during Week 1 will present 1,099 yearlings to Keeneland’s deep buying bench; debut an RNA Reoffer at the conclusion of Book 1 as an exciting opportunity for buyers and sellers and elevate enhancements to the overall sales experience.
“This is an exciting time at Keeneland as we welcome Tony Lacy as our new Vice President of Sales and Cormac Breathnach as our new Director of Sales Operations, while longtime Director of Sales Operations Geoffrey Russell remains on the team in a consulting role,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said.
“We have initiated a number of new features to further enhance the September Sale and facilitate the process for buyers and sellers with the goal of creating a consistent sale format each year and further ensuring a stable marketplace.”
Sellers and buyers will be pleased with the atmosphere, excitement and global participation Keeneland expects from start to finish of the September Sale.
“For those passionate about Thoroughbred racing,” Lacy said, “Central Kentucky and Keeneland are destination experiences. We intend to provide those attending the September Sale a memorable stay to enjoy the best of what the Bluegrass has to offer.”
See theworldsyearlingsale.com for features about the importance of the September Sale and the success of sales graduates along with a Lexington destination guide presented by Keeneland and VisitLex with information about where to stay and eat while in town.
2021 September Sale schedule
For the 2021 September Sale, Keeneland has adjusted both the Week 1 and Week 2 formats to better accommodate buyers and sellers.
In an effort to position the largest number of horses possible before a deep audience of domestic and international buyers, Week 1 will take place Monday through Thursday, Sept. 13-16 with Books 1 and 2 before the “dark day” on Friday, Sept. 17 when no sale will be held.
“Keeneland remains customer-focused in our mission to provide the absolute best marketplace this September,” Lacy said. “We adjusted the sale format after many meaningful conversations with our customers, who expressed their strong desire to see a significant number of yearlings before a break.”
Additionally, Keeneland is combining the final two sessions (those horses cataloged to Sessions 11 and 12) into a single session on Friday, Sept. 24 to conclude the sale during a three-day Book 5.
“This change will allow buyers to have a full day of yearlings to consider rather than two shorter sessions at the end of the sale and will generate a more vibrant market for all involved on Friday,” Lacy said.
The September Sale will present the following schedule:
Week 1
Book 1 – Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 13-14. Sessions begin at 1 p.m. ET. A total of 401 yearlings, including two supplements, are cataloged over the two days. The RNA Reoffer will begin immediately following the final hip of the Sept. 14 session.
Book 2 – Wednesday-Thursday, Sept. 15-16. Sessions begin at 11 a.m. A total of 698 yearlings are cataloged over the two days.
Friday, Sept. 17 – A “dark day” when no sale will be conducted.
Week 2
Book 3 – Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 18-19. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. A total of 827 yearlings are cataloged over the two days.
Book 4 – Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 20-21. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. A total of 829 yearlings are cataloged over the two days.
Book 5 – Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 22-24. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. A total of 1,279 yearlings are cataloged over the three days.
Keeneland will livestream the entire September Sale at Keeneland.com.
