Lexington, KY, September 30, 2025
News Summary
At the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, the yearling filly Dejeuner set a new record by selling for $1 million. This historic auction took place at the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion, drawing attention from the equestrian community. Bought by Noel Daley on behalf of Winning Key, Dejeuner’s pedigree impresses with connections to successful racehorses. The sale generated $21.80 million in total revenue with 120 horses sold, showcasing the thriving market for trotting horses.
Lexington, KY – Dejeuner, a yearling filly sired by Walner and out of French Cafe, made headlines at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale by fetching a record-breaking price of $1 million during the opening session held at the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion. This auction not only sets a new mark for the highest-priced yearling filly ever sold at auction but also attracts significant attention from the equestrian community.
The filly was bought by Noel Daley, acting as an agent for Winning Key, a horse racing group spearheaded by Patty Key, the widow of Hall of Fame owner and breeder Bob Key. This remarkable transaction eclipses the previous record of $925,000 for a yearling filly, which was set last year with the sale of Rani Hanover.
Dejeuner comes from a distinguished pedigree. She is a half-sister to French Champagne, who won the 2024 Elegantimage Stakes. Additionally, her second dam, Creamy Mimi, has a notable history, having won the 2008 Hambletonian Oaks and producing millionaire French Wine and multiple Grand Circuit winner French Laundry. The family also includes Pizza Dolce, a Dan Patch Award winner, and the grandam of the 2022 Trotter of the Year, Bella Bellini.
Eligible for both New Jersey and Kentucky races, Dejeuner was bred by Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld and consigned by Kentuckiana Farms. The sale saw a total of 120 horses sold for approximately $21.80 million, averaging $181,675 per horse, slightly lower than last year’s session which had 117 horses selling for $22.29 million at an average of $190,547.
Following Dejeuner, the second highest-selling horse of the day was Turtle Dove, another daughter of Walner, who was sold for $900,000 to Jeff Snyder and S R F Stable. Turtle Dove is particularly noteworthy as the first foal out of the 2019 Dan Patch Award-winner When Dovescry. The third top seller was Tyndall, a daughter of Gimpanzee, purchased for $800,000 by Martinez Equine; Tyndall is a half-sister to Hall of Famer Mission Brief and the dam of recent Mohawk Million winner Apex.
Among the trotting colts, Valorous, a product of the first crop of ALrajah One IT, sold for $575,000, while the top-selling pacer was Seaside Ubeaut, sold for $500,000 to Andrew Harris. Another trotting filly, Social Hour, also sold for $500,000 to Al Libfeld.
The auction is set to last five days, with daily sessions starting at 1 p.m. and concluding on Friday at 7 p.m. Walner led the trotting sires with a total of $7.048 million in gross sales for 37 horses, while Tactical Landing boasted the highest average for stallions with multiple yearlings sold.
Key Stats from the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale
- Total Horses Sold: 120
- Total Revenue: $21.80 million
- Average Price per Horse: $181,675
- Top Sale: Dejeuner for $1 million
- Second Highest Sale: Turtle Dove for $900,000
- Third Highest Sale: Tyndall for $800,000
FAQ
What is Dejeuner’s selling price?
Dejeuner sold for $1 million, setting a record for the highest-priced yearling filly at auction.
Who bought Dejeuner?
Dejeuner was purchased by Noel Daley, who acted as an agent for Winning Key, led by Patty Key.
What notable horses are in Dejeuner’s pedigree?
Dejeuner’s family includes French Champagne, Creamy Mimi, and Dan Patch Award-winner Pizza Dolce, among others.
How many horses sold at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale?
A total of 120 horses were sold for a combined $21.80 million during the sale’s first session.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Keeneland Prepares for Record-Setting Fall Meet
Keeneland September Yearling Sale Sets Record with $531.5 Million
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Additional Resources
- U.S. Trotting News: Dejeuner Tops Lexington Opening Night at $1 Million
- Keeneland: September Sale Concludes with Record $531.5 Million Sales
- WTVQ: Record Sales for Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale
- Thoroughbred Daily News: Fasig-Tipton July Yearling Sale
- LEX18: What a Year: Keeneland Yearling Sale Breaking Records
- Wikipedia: Horse Racing
- Google Search: Yearling Sales
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Google News: Equestrian Events
- Google Scholar: Horse Breeding
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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