The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has evolved from humble beginnings to become the global marketplace for Thoroughbred yearlings.
In 2006, the September Sale was the highest grossing Thoroughbred auction in the world, with sales of $399. Thirty-two yearlings brought $1 million or more, including a Kingmambo colt which sold for $11.7 million, the second-highest price ever paid for a Thoroughbred yearling at public auction.
The September Yearling Sale officially came into its own in 1960. Previously, fall yearlings were sold as part of the breeding stock sales. In 2003, Keeneland discontinued its July Selected Yearling Sale when the market dictated that it preferred one yearling sale annually at Keeneland, that being in September.
The September Sale has produced a number of champions through the years, among them Ashado, Azeri, Farda Amiga, Left Bank, Orientate, Johannesburg, Caressing, Anees and Favorite Trick; Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners War Emblem, Real Quiet, Spectacular Bid and Canonero II; and Belmont winners Jazil, Lemon Drop Kid, Victory Gallop, Editor's Note, Hansel, Bet Twice and Temperence Hill.