Keeneland September Yearling Sale

Why it is here

Through the ring, 2,856 yearlings sold for $536,737,900 in 2026. The average rose 6.87% to $187,933, a record for the sixth year in a row, and the median rose to $85,000; a record 70 yearlings made seven figures (Thoroughbred Daily News, 2026-09-26). Including post-sale transactions, BloodHorse reports 3,034 horses sold for $558,313,400 over 12 days, the highest gross ever recorded at a Thoroughbred auction (2026-09-26). CNBC calls it the world's largest Thoroughbred auction and reports a $3.7 million top lot, an Into Mischief colt. CNBC attributes much of the demand to the permanent reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation, which lets US buyers write off a racehorse purchase in the first year (2026-10-01). Score drivers: prestige 9.5 from its scale and record-setting results; exclusivity 8.4, because a catalogue of nearly 3,000 sold yearlings is broad rather than select. Sporting level, social and experience are not scored. 2027 sale dates are not listed because none were confirmed in the sources reviewed. Not investment advice. This entry ranks the sale as an event and a market venue; it is not a recommendation to buy a horse or to treat bloodstock as an investment. Past sale prices do not predict future values.