Hip 642, 2026 Keeneland September Sale
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sept. 16, 2026 — The momentum continued Wednesday at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where the opening session of Book 2 delivered another powerful day of international Thoroughbred commerce, highlighted by a $2.25 million colt by Nyquist and a record 14 seven-figure yearlings.
The session generated $89.535 million from 209 horses sold, a 4.47% increase over the corresponding session in 2025. The average climbed 10.47% to $428,397, while the median settled at $310,000.
Leading the way was the $2.25 million Nyquist colt purchased by Kimmel/Sallusto, agent for Alex and JoAnn Lieblong. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the colt is out of the Bernardini mare Hot Cha and comes from the family of champion Xtra Heat.
His price was the highest recorded on Day 3 since Keeneland introduced its current Book 1/Book 2 format in 2021.
The strength at the top of the market extended well beyond the session topper. A colt by Into Mischief brought $2 million from Legion Bloodstock, while Winchell Thoroughbreds went to $1.85 million for a son of Flightline.
Other major purchases included a Nyquist colt at $1.75 million, a first-crop son of champion Up to the Mark at $1.65 million, and a Gun Runner filly purchased for $1.55 million.
September Sale approaches another milestone
Through the first three sessions, 417 yearlings have sold for $240.935 million, up 4.81% from the corresponding period in 2025.
Perhaps even more impressive is the strength of the seven-figure market. Fifty-five horses have already sold for $1 million or more, just one shy of the September Sale record of 56 established during the entire 2025 auction — with nine sessions still remaining.
Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy described Wednesday as an “incredible day,” noting that buyers continued to stretch for the horses they wanted while breeders were being rewarded for high-quality stock.
The September Sale continues Thursday with the second session of Book 2, as one of the world’s most important Thoroughbred marketplaces continues its strong 2026 edition.
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