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Figures slightly down on 2019 renewal with Australian buyers notably absent

The 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale ended in Lexington on Wednesday after ten days of selling. 

Over the sale nine lots sold for US$1,000,000 or more with a total of 2,198 horses exchanging hands for US$151,019,300. The average of US$68,708 was down nine per cent on the 2019 figure of US$75,220 whilst the median of US$23,000 was down eight per cent from a year ago when it was US$25,000. 

Online bidding, which was introduced for the first time at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, continued to gain popularity with 279 horses sold for US$16,274,000 and included Grade 1 winner Ollie’s Candy who was bought by Japanese-based KI Farm  for US$1.65 million. 

Australian buyers were notably absent from the 2020 sale with James Harron Bloodstock securing four-year-old filly Fashion Faux Pas (Flatter) for US$310,000. At the 2019 renewal Andrew Williams Bloodstock, Freyer Bloodstock, Newgate Farm, Sheamus Mills Bloodstock and Sun Bloodstock all featured on the buyers sheet. 

“The enthusiasm for quality horses and the participation of major domestic and foreign buyers, many of whom remained active well into the second week of the sale, is a testament to the resiliency of this industry,” Keeneland Director of Sales Operations Geoffrey Russell said. 

“There was a healthy mix of US and international interests representing Europe, Japan, Korea, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, among others, as well as several new buyers emerging on the scene. Hats off to consignors, who were very good about marketing their horses, either directly or via Keeneland’s website, to remote buyers. 

“We know this hasn’t been an easy environment to navigate, and we appreciate the efforts all have made to participate either in person or through use of the available technology.”