Yesterday was day 1 of the September Yearling Sale at Keeneland which takes place through September 26, 2015. It was a beautiful day with striking horses everywhere I turned. I met up with some old friends and made some new ones. I can not wait to go back and I will today!
Day 1 featured hips 1 thru 241 and 150 yearlings were sold. Several bids were RNA, reserve not attained, meaning the bid did not meet the owner’s minimal sale price. The big money makers were fillies by War Front. Hip #99 sold for $1 million and #116 sold for $1.45 million! Overall the sale grossed more than $44.6 million. This was an increase of over 34.6% versus last year’s Yearling Sale at Keeneland. More horses were sold this year and the average and mean price increase was up over 7 and 8% respectively.
I encountered several new Thoroughbreds but also some new people. It was a pleasure to meet David Clay of D & D Drennon Creek Farm in Eminence, KY. He told me about his wife, Debbie, and their military careers and dreams to have a Thoroughbred Farm. They went about it in the best way possible. Staying true to their strong Christian values and desire to adopt and rescue horses, they have been caring for rescued Thoroughbreds and breeding new generations of racers. Their mare Highest Ground raced and bred prior to her rescue. She foaled both I’am Toorific and Cactus Kris. Both of her foals have nice racing careers. They currently have several babies at the farm. One is a half sister to Cactus Kris, Blue Moon Diamond (Baby Egg), sired by Tale of Ekati. Tale of Ekati had a great racing career. He participated in graded stakes such as the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont stakes, the Travers Stakes, the Jim Dandy stakes and more.
I took so many pictures I want to share some with all of you. Above are a few pavilion and entry shots. It is a good chance to see the horses without having to peer thru the stall door screens.
Additionally, I like to walk around the barns to spot horses but also to see how the barns advertise and decorate. Some are rather plain while others bring their own flowers and more. Above is some of the signage.
Finally, if you get a chance to follow today’s sale, be on the lookout for hip #261. He has American Pharoah connections in the family. I went to his barn to get a peek but all I could see here is some tail and ankles. Better luck on catching a peak at him today!
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