THE two-week Keeneland September Yearling Sale concluded last Saturday with total sales reaching a record $411,749,500 (plus another $16 million in private sales).

The average price of $150,548 is a September Sale record, while the median of $70,000 equals the record for a September Sale.

A total of 36 horses sold for seven-figure sums - the most since 2005 - and the purchase of a son of Curlin for $5 million was the highest price paid for a colt at the auction since 2006.

“The energy here was at times reminiscent of another era,” Keeneland vice president of sales Tony Lacy said. “The market was very broad based. We saw new faces and welcomed back people we haven’t seen in years from all over the world who returned because of their confidence in the U.S. industry and Keeneland being a global marketplace.”

Among the contributing factors cited for the renewed confidence in the US bloodstock industry are rich purse levels across the country driving demand for racehorses, the success of American-bred horses around the world; and stronger medication regulations at racetracks and auctions.

“Seeing new people coming into the sport and investing significant amounts of money these past two weeks is a great sign of an upward swing in the sport,” Lacy said.

Demand at the top of the market during Week 1 sparked gross sales of $253 million, up 7.78% from last year’s $234 million for the corresponding period. Average price of $394,575 rose 7.27%, while the median remained unchanged at $300,000.

Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm bought the session toppers on each day of the premier Book 1 catalogue. She paid $2.2 million for a colt by Gun Runner and went to $5 million the following day for the Curlin colt, who is a full-brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Clairiere.

Other leading buyers included Donato Lanni (agent for SF/Starlight/Madaket), Belladonna Racing, agent Cherie DeVaux, West Bloodstock (agent for Mike Repole Stable) and John Stewart’s Resolute Bloodstock.

Taylor Made Sales Agency was the leading consignor at the sale for the 25th year since 1988, selling 333 yearlings for $53,133,200 (including private sales).

“It’s been crazy good,” Frank Taylor of Taylor Made said. “It was way better than I anticipated. It’s amazing how strong the market is, with everything that’s going on in the world. Racing is good, and there is a lot of enthusiasm. People want to buy racehorses.”

Other leading consignors included Gainesway, Paramount Sales, Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa and Lane’s End Farm.

The leading sire by gross sales was Gun Runner, whose 62 yearlings sold for $32,665,000 (includes private sales).

Charlatan was the leading first-crop sire. He was represented by 79 yearlings who sold for over $20 million. The most expensive of them, at $1.4 million, was bought by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm.

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