An internationally strong catalog and the presence of the world’s most influential buyers combined to produce 39 million-dollar horses, a world record-priced broodmare, and significant increases in gross and average during week one of Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale. The 15-day auction continues through Monday, November 19.
Through Saturday, November 10, a total of 1,372 horses had sold for $288,484,700, compared to 1,407 that sold for $269,049,500 after six days in 2006. The average price of $210,266 is a 10 percent increase over the 2006 average after six days.
“The mare market has been exceptionally strong,” said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland’s director of sales. “Young mares with good race records are highly sought. A good race record has definitely become a very important component, followed by pedigree. I’ve spoken with several buyers who’ve been frustrated in their attempts to buy mares. But they plan to stay and continue to try.”
Highlighting opening week was the sale of 39 horses for $1 million or more, equaling the total number sold during the 2000 November Sale. Last year, 27 horses topped the $1 million mark in November.
Keeneland established a world record price for a broodmare of $10.5 million on Monday, November 5, when John Ferguson, on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, outbid Coolmore to buy the Group 1 stakes winner Playful Act (Ire), by Sadler’s Wells. She was consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency for the dispersal of the Sangster family’s Swettenham Stud.
Twenty-eight horses brought $1 million or more on Monday – a record for a single session at any Keeneland sale. The previous record for a session in November was 24 sold during the second session of the 2000 sale.
Gross sales on opening Monday of $109,064,000 was a single session record for a Keeneland sale. The previous record of $102,450,000 was set during the November 6 session of the 2000 November Sale.
Among the week’s other highlights were the sale of two mares for more than $4 million each. Shadwell Farm LLC went to $4.5 million for Spun Sugar, a multiple Grade 1 stakes winner of $929,171, sold in foal to A.P. Indy. Million-dollar purchases on Tuesday were led by Grade 1 stakes winner Island Sand, in foal to A.P. Indy, who sold for $4.2 million to Lincoln Collins, agent for Barnes & Noble CEO Leonard Riggio.