Keeneland Horse Auctions

Keeneland Horse Auctions

Everyone knows that Keeneland is famous for its racing and betting on horses and some people may even know about the fact that it is a non profit organization, but how many people know about the horse auctions?  That's right, hardly anyone you talk to knows anything about the horse auctions that go on multiple times each year.  

This picture comes from the Keeneland Organization website (https://www.keeneland.com/sales/about-keeneland-sales) discussing the auctions and when they are.  The two signature auctions that are held are the September Yearling Sale and the November Breeding Stock Sale.  These both go on during the fall in which the actual horse races are going on.  Also, there are the January Horses of All Ages Sale and the April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale that go on in the spring.  This makes four sales per year with the July Selected Yearling Sale that ended in 2003.

The very first Keeneland auctions sale was in 1943, prior to World War II, due to the lack of ability for horse owners to ship their horses by railroad to Saratoga, New York for the yearling auction.  Out of this batch of horses the most notable sale was Hoop Jr. which won the Kentucky Derby in 1945.  

Since 1943 almost every continent has had a big time horse race that has been dominated by horses that were originally obtained through the Keeneland Horse Auctions.  These continents consisting of Europe, South America, Asia, and of course North America.  A few Keeneland sales alumni that have won the Breeders' Cup are Beholder, London Bridge, Mizdirection, New Year's Day, and Secret Circle.

Another huge race that has been dominated by Keeneland horses is the Triple Crown classic races.  Nearly half of the events have been won by horses sold at Keeneland.  There have been 19 Kentucky Derby winners, 21 Preakness winners, and 18 Belmont winners all from Keeneland.  It is pretty awesome what these horses from Keeneland have been able to do around the world.