Competitive trade continues at Keeneland as three reach $300,000 mark

The fourth day of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale saw three individuals sell for US$300,000 (approx. AUD$413,730) each in a session which saw 227 horses realise a total of $13,153,000 (approx. AUD$18.14 million), an average of $57,943 (approx. AUD$79,900), and a $42,000 (approx. AUD$57,925) median.

The three session toppers were Lot 1149, Quality Heat (Quality Road), a three-year-old filly purchased by Springbord Farm from Bluewater Sales, Lot 1183, Sex Symbol (Uncle Mo) a mare bought by Green Lantern Stables from Bluewater Sales; and Lot 1269, a Mendelssohn (Scat Daddy) weanling colt acquired by OXO Equine from Four Star Sales.

Sequel Bloodstock’s Becky Thomas said of trade: “It’s been tough. I thought we had enough money to buy what we wanted, but we didn’t. It’s very competitive for what we’re trying to buy. We’ve bought four mares from $90,000 to $425,000. I’m trying to get something with upside. Young mares in foal to first-year stallions are what’s very sought after.”

Another buyer who found the going tough on Thursday was Kevin McKathan, who was buying weanlings to be resold.

“I’ve bought three and been outbid a lot,” McKathan said. “The real nice physicals, you have to pay up for them. Your middle and lower-end horses are hard to move.”

Cumulatively, 777 horses have grossed $120,262,000 (approx. AUD$165.85 million) for an average price of $154,777 (approx. AUD$214,453), a $90,000 (approx. AUD$124,120 ) median, and an RNA rate of 24.5 per cent. Through four sessions a year ago, Keeneland had sold 908 horses for $154,833,200, averaging $170,521 with a median price of $100,000.