Keeneland's November Horses of Racing Age Sale witnessed a remarkable surge in activity, with significant increases across the board, including double-digit gains in average and median prices. The sale was driven by strong demand and the inclusion of two highly sought-after juveniles from the estate of the late John Hendrickson, further solidifying Keeneland's position as the premier destination for quality bloodstock.

Powering Through with Unparalleled Momentum

Robust Demand and Exceptional Offerings Fuel Remarkable Gains

The November Horses of Racing Age Sale at Keeneland was a resounding success, with the auction house reporting substantial increases in key metrics. The total sales figure reached $8,613,000, a 9.52% jump from the previous year's $7,864,000. This impressive performance was achieved despite a 32% reduction in the number of horses sold, from 155 in 2023 to 105 this year.The average price soared by an astounding 61.68%, rising from $50,735 to $82,029, while the median price experienced a remarkable 66.67% increase, climbing from $30,000 to $50,000. The clearance rate was a robust 88%, further underscoring the strength of the market.

Standout Juveniles from the Hendrickson Estate Captivate Buyers

The sale was particularly notable for the inclusion of two exceptional juveniles from the estate of the late John Hendrickson. The winning filly Alyeska, by Vekoma, captured the top spot, selling for a remarkable $675,000 to Steven W. Young, agent. Alyeska, out of Bird Town's daughter Gull Island, had impressed with a dominant debut victory at Churchill Downs in September.The colt Captain Cook, by Practical Joke, also garnered significant attention, fetching $410,000 from Young. Despite a less-than-perfect debut performance, Captain Cook's pedigree and potential captivated buyers, with Young praising the colt's "beautiful action" and the fact that he would have never reached the market had Hendrickson still been with us.

Gainesway's Consignment Shines, Honoring Hendrickson's Legacy

Gainesway, acting as the agent for the Hendrickson estate, consigned Alyeska, Captain Cook, and six other horses, many of which were from the family of champion Bird Town, Belmont (G1) winner Birdstone, and Grade 2 winner Bird Song. Gainesway's Brian Graves expressed the bittersweet nature of the sale, acknowledging that the horses' strong performance was a "great tribute to John" but also a reminder of his passing.The Hendrickson horses were highly sought after, not only for their exceptional quality but also for the opportunity to acquire a piece of the Hendrickson family's storied legacy. Breathnach, Keeneland's Senior Director of Sales Operations, noted the value placed on such legacy pedigrees, as buyers sought to carry on the traditions established by the likes of Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson.

Diverse Buyer Pool Drives Robust Demand

The November Horses of Racing Age Sale attracted a diverse array of buyers, both domestic and international, who were eager to secure quality bloodstock. Among the active buyers were industry powerhouses such as Mike Trombetta, representing Larry Johnson, and the ever-present Steven W. Young, who emerged as the top buyer, spending $1,342,000 on five horses.The sale's success was further bolstered by the presence of international buyers, who remained engaged throughout the Breeding Stock Sale that followed. This global interest underscores the enduring appeal of Keeneland as a premier destination for acquiring top-tier racehorses and breeding prospects.

Consignors Celebrate Exceptional Results

The exceptional performance of the November Horses of Racing Age Sale was not limited to the buyers alone. Consignors, too, celebrated the remarkable results, with Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy and Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach expressing their delight at the vibrant market and the strong demand for quality stock.Lacy highlighted the "seriously strong" metrics, including the 61.68% increase in average price and the 66.67% jump in median, as well as the impressive 88% clearance rate. Breathnach echoed these sentiments, praising the "great excitement in the building" and the fact that the sale ran out of horses, a testament to the overwhelming demand.The November Horses of Racing Age Sale at Keeneland has once again demonstrated the auction house's ability to attract the industry's top buyers and consignors, solidifying its position as the premier destination for the acquisition of quality racehorses and breeding prospects. With remarkable gains, standout juvenile offerings, and a diverse buyer pool, this year's sale has set a new benchmark for the industry.