Annual yearling sale at Keeneland underway amidst major construction project

The Keeneland sales pavilion was abuzz with activity during day one of the September yearling sale. The amenities are a bit different and will be even more so a year from now with a new Paddock Building.

It’s not where all the attention is, but a great deal of focus comes where the actual sale occurs. And this year the environment inside the large room where horses are brought in for viewing and bidding features a modification. Keeneland Director of Communications Amy Gregory said the back area now has seating with tables.

“We just want our customers and clients to have the best sales experience possible while they’re here on the grounds. And that allows them to come in, maybe have a drink, sit and watch the bidding, hopefully bid,” said Gregory.

The auctioning off of more than 4000 one year old Thoroughbreds attracts an international crowd. In addition to breeders and buyers, well known horse trainers take it in. Bob Baffert attended Monday’s sales.

Keeneland is undergoing significant change with work underway on a $93 million construction project. Gregory said the new three-story Paddock Building will feature more work space for clients during sales.

“For instance with a September sale, because it will allow us to offer more conference rooms and areas where they can meet together as teams and talk about which horse they are looking at or would like to buy,” said Gregory.

The capital project is the largest undertaking since Keeneland opened almost 90 years ago and marks the first major construction since the Keeneland Library was built in 2002. The facility is expected to be available for the yearling sale a year from now.

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