Lexington, Kentucky, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has broken previous records, concluding with total sales of $531.5 million. This year’s auction saw 3,070 horses sold over 12 sessions, a significant increase from the previous year’s sales. The sale included a remarkable top price of $3.3 million for a Gun Runner colt, and the average sale price rose to $175,807. Additionally, 56 yearlings sold for seven figures, highlighting the auction’s historic success.
Lexington, Kentucky – The 2025 Keeneland September Yearling Sale has smashed previous records, generating an astounding $531.5 million in sales. The two-week auction, which concluded on September 20, exceeded last year’s tally of nearly $428 million by more than 24%. This year’s sale saw a significant increase in activity, featuring 3,070 horses sold over 12 sessions held from September 8 to 20.
In addition to the total sales figure, the amount spent through-the-ring reached $510.5 million, with an impressive $21 million accounted for in post-sale transactions. Among the highlights of the sale was a top price of $3.3 million for a Gun Runner colt, purchased by a consortium that included M.V. Magnier, White Birch Farm, and Winchell Thoroughbreds.
This year’s sale marked a historic milestone for the Keeneland auction, with 56 yearlings selling for seven figures, shattering the previous record of 40 set in 2005. The average sale price also reached a new high of $175,807, reflecting a nearly 17% increase from 2024. The median price consequently hit a record $80,000, up more than 14% from last year.
The sale also attracted a boost in high-profile buyers, with 18 buyers spending $5 million or more, compared to 14 the previous year. Additionally, 120 buyers made purchases exceeding $1 million, a rise from 96 last year. Notable buyers included Mike Repole from Repole Stable, who bought 33 horses for a total of $14.2 million, along with key individuals from SF Racing/Starlight/Madaket and Spendthrift Farm.
Taylor Made Sales Agency stood out as the top consignor for the 26th time since 1988, selling 333 yearlings for a new record of $68.5 million.
The statistics surrounding the sires are equally noteworthy. Not This Time led the sires by gross sales, with 55 yearlings sold for $38.6 million, including 14 million-dollar yearlings. Gun Runner followed with 40 yearlings sold for a total of $35.1 million, while Flightline’s debut crop yielded 44 yearlings that sold for $30.6 million, highlighted by a $2.2 million filly from this promising cohort.
Executives at Keeneland attribute the sale’s extraordinary success to favorable market conditions and a general optimism regarding the future of racing and breeding. The Keeneland sales play a crucial role in funding purses extensively, thus enhancing the overall racing experience in Central Kentucky.
Looking ahead, racing at Keeneland will continue, with the Fall Meet set to begin on October 3. This upcoming season aims to feature record stakes purses amounting to $10.85 million.
FAQ
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Key Features of the Sale
| Feature | 2025 Keeneland September Yearling Sale |
|---|---|
| Total Sales | $531.5 million |
| Horses Sold | 3,070 |
| Average Price | $175,807 |
| Median Price | $80,000 |
| Top Price for a Yearling | $3.3 million |
| Record Seven-Figure Sales | 56 |
| Top Consignor | Taylor Made Sales Agency |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Keeneland Media Release
- Kentucky.com
- BloodHorse
- Smiley Pete
- BloodHorse – High Hopes for Sale
- Wikipedia: Keeneland
- Google Search: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
- Google Scholar: Keeneland Yearling Sale
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Google News: Keeneland Sale 2025
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
