In Kentucky, the demand for breeding stock is alive and well, at least at the high end.
Session 1, Book 1 of the 2025 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale on Nov. 4 saw the average price for 122 horses surge 36 percent from a year ago and the median jump 20 percent. The totals for the first session were $72,737,000, for an average of $596,205 and a median of $422,500. Compared to figures from the first session in 2024, the gross increased 16.62% from $62,370,000; the average rose 36.70% from $436,154; and the median was 20.71% higher than last year’s $350,000.
There are nine sessions of the sale through November 11 in total.
It was a big afternoon for Ivan and Colleen Dalos’ Tall Oaks Farm, which sold a homebred Kentucky-born weanling filly by Curlin – Galloping Ami by Victory Gallop for $1.25 million. Trainer Wesley Ward (who is also an owner and breeder) said he bought the filly for a new owner who has never had a racehorse before. Unfortunately, Ward said the new owner wanted to remain anonymous.
Colleen Dalos, who now runs the Tall Oaks Farm racing and breeding operation, was selling the family’s first seven-figure horse since she took over.
“She’s a special filly from one of our flagship broodmares,” she said about the filly they bred in partnership with The Curlin Syndicate. “I was hoping for the million dollars — (the price) went well over that — and I always just want them to go to a great home. We are thrilled that she’ll go to Wesley Ward.”
The weanling filly was born at Briarbrooke Farm in Kentucky, where the Dalos family foals a number of mares, in particular older ones. Galloping Ami, the Outstanding Broodmare at the Sovereign Awards of 2016, has been a gem for the family, She didn’t race, but in the breeding shed the great granddaughter of founding Dalos mare Sillie Billie has produced Canadian champion Amis Gizmo, Grade 1 winner Kopion, Grade 3 winner Ami’s Flatter and stakes winner Aragorn Ami. Galloping Ami’s foals were foaled in Ontario until five years ago.
The Curlin filly was consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent.
“Lexington has become my favourite place to be, and I love Keeneland,” Dalos added. “It’s so special here. I love the people, I love the environment and this market is unbelievable right now, this entire year. It just shows you how vibrant horse racing is. We’re so thrilled to be part of it and I can’t wait to see where we’re going to go next.”
Lush Lips (GB), who won Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana last month, sold for $3.7 million to Dixiana Farm to top Tuesday’s Book 1 opener of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. A strong weanling trade and the sale of 17 horses for $1 million or more also marked the session, which posted double-digit increases across the board.
During the session, foals of 2025 by Gun Runner, Curlin and Into Mischief sold for $2.2 million, $1.25 million and $950,000, respectively, to be the highest-priced weanlings purchased at public auction in North America this year.
The $2.2 million colt is the most paid for a weanling at the November Breeding Stock Sale since 2015. The Curlin weanling, a filly, brought the highest price for a weanling filly at the auction since 2015.
Quotes from Keeneland sales suggest that the Thoroughbred industry is as vibrant as ever:
“It was a really great day that felt strong from start to finish,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We had 17 horses that brought a million dollars or more. Eight of those brought $2 million or more. The weanling market was incredibly strong, with selling a $2.2 million weanling for the highest price since a decade ago.
“Today’s results showed an overall confidence and continuation of excitement about our sport and about our industry,” Arvin continued. “It was fun for us and rewarding in many ways, because Keeneland is the only race track and sales company in the world, and top sellers Vahva, Kilwin and Buchu sold here as yearlings; Lush Lips, Vahva and Buchu won graded stakes here, and then they returned to the sales ring here. That’s a lot of fun, and we’re really happy for all the connections that did so well with them.”
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