Kentucky's Thoroughbred Association Exec Looks for Good Sales Again in September

It’s a relatively quiet time in Central Kentucky regarding visible Thoroughbred racing-related activities. In just over a month all that changes at Lexington’s historic track sales pavilion.

September ninth will mark the start of the 81st Keeneland yearling sale. Just under 44 hundred horses are cataloged for the 12 sessions, up by more than 200 horses over a year ago. Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Director Chauncey Morris said the already-run Saratoga Yearling sale was very positive compared to 2023.

“The average and median climbed double digits. 95% of the catalog would have come from central Kentucky. That bodes very well for the September Yearling sale normally,” said Morris.

Keeneland’s September sale is the largest in the world easily. Morris said the second highest is found in Australia where sales are three times less.

Morris noted the racing circuit in the Commonwealth is doing very well. He added expansion is being seen in states like New York, Virginia, and Arkansas.

“You sell a Thoroughbred yearling to become a racehorse and there are parts of the racing economy that there is strength, while there is also legitimately some places like California that are starting to decline,” said Morris.

Morris said Kentucky is responsible for 41% of the American Thoroughbred foal crop. When it comes to prices this September, Morris said it will likely be quite a range from multiple seven-figure sales with some below $2000.

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