The current Keeneland September yearling auction situated in Lexington, Kentucky, stands as the leading occasion yearly within the Thoroughbred sphere for those looking for forthcoming star racehorses. It’s a 12-day-long affair occurring from September 8th to 20th, showcasing approximately 4,700 horses cataloged, and presents proprietors with numerous chances to assess their talent at recognizing next-generation champions while backing their perspectives with significant monetary investments.
A substantial portion of the significant financial outlay transpires during the initial week of the auction, which is presently underway – although several exceptional racehorses have been acquired at comparatively economical rates during the subsequent sessions. A prime illustration: the most recent female horse to secure a Triple Crown race triumph, namely Swiss Skydiver, the 2020 Preakness Stakes victor, was obtained well into the 2018 Keeneland September auction by instructor Ken McPeek, acting as an agent for owner Peter Callahan, at a cost of … well, please refer to the details below.
In what manner do the financial figures of the Keeneland September auction compare to expenditures in athletics, commerce, and other domains? Presented herein is a concise overview to provide insight into the sums at stake:
$3.3 million vs. $3.3 million
The most expensive yearling emerging from Keeneland’s inaugural session on September 8th, secured by Coolmore, Peter Brant, and Ron Winchell
– vs. –
The fourth-highest transaction sum for a residential property within Lexington thus far during 2025, positioned just northwest of Keeneland and the auction premises
$428.097 million vs. $348.867 million
The aggregate revenue generated by the 2024 Keeneland September auction across 12 sessions
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The 2025 payroll expenses for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recognized as the highest within Major League Baseball (Shohei Otani’s compensation amounts to $28.2 million)
$147,926 vs. $148,700
The average monetary value of a yearling acquired at the 2024 Keeneland September auction
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The suggested retail price from the manufacturer for a comprehensively equipped 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS (electrically powered) Sedan – delivering an approximate 98 miles per gallon equivalent
$13.1 million vs. $17.7 million vs. $13.9 million
Seattle Dancer, the most costly yearling ever traded at Keeneland, underwent the auction process during July 1985 (Keeneland ceased the July auction in 2003)
– vs. –
The adjusted sales amount for 1985, considering inflation (up to July 2025)
– vs. –
The average earnings per concert of Taylor Swift’s 2023-24 Eras Tour (total earnings: $2.077 billion, setting a tour revenue record)
$35,000 vs. $30,000
The final bid value for a yearling filly identified as Swiss Skydiver, who was marketed in 2018 and amassed over $2.2 million throughout her racing career
– vs. –
The estimated expense for a premium-grade bathroom renovation as of 2025.
Hence, in the instance of encountering one of those pervasive “completed in a day” promotions for accessible showers and comparable items … why not elect to invest in a potential Preakness champion instead?
