First Defence Colt Tops 12th Session of Keeneland Sale

A colt by First Defence sold to multiple Eclipse Award-winning owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey for $90,000 to top Saturday’s 12th of 13 sessions of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

During the first day of the two-day Book 6 portion of the sale, Keeneland sold 168 yearlings for $1,490,300, just below the 12th and final session of last year’s auction when 170 horses grossed $1,518,800. The average of $8,871 was nearly equal to $8,934 in 2015, and the median of $3,750 declined 46.43 percent from $7,000 last year.

Cumulatively, 2,645 yearlings have grossed $271,853,900, 3.43 percent below the $281,496,100 for 2,745 yearlings sold during last year’s 12-day sale. The average of $102,780 is slightly higher than $102,549 in 2015, while the median of $50,000 remains unchanged from last year.

Saturday’s session topper, consigned by Upson Downs Farm, agent, is the first foal out of the stakes-placed After Market mare Listen Boy. He is from the family of Grade 3 winner Keys to the Heart and Grade 1-placed winner Avie’s Shadow.

McMahon & Hill Bloodstock, agent, acquired the session’s highest-priced filly when it paid $87,000 for a daughter of Trappe Shot. Lakland Farm consigned the filly, who is out of the stakes-placed Songandaprayer mare Stormandaprayer.

McMahon & Hill, agent, was the session’s leading buyer, spending $111,000 for two yearlings.

Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, was the leading consignor, selling 14 horses for $135,500.

Sunday marks the final day of the September Sale. The session, which begins at 10 a.m. ET, will be streamed live at Keeneland.com.

Source: Keeneland