LEXINGTON, KY (WKYT) – Keeneland is the largest thoroughbred auction house in the world.
“September sales were the most important sales of the year for us from a digital and total revenue standpoint,” said Tony Lacy, Keeneland’s vice president of sales.
The September 2022 auction was particularly important, as Keeneland’s highest auction in history, grossing more than $400 million. Almost 3,000 yearlings were sold in the 12-day auction. Thirty of them sold for $1 million or more.
“Most of the money generated here is reinvested into industries that can grow, so it’s really exciting to see people who are really going the extra mile and are really good at what they do benefit from what’s happening here. Excited. The past few weeks,” Lacey said.
People know about Keeneland’s track, but Lacy explained that the September promotion is the core of what they do at Keeneland. It’s the economic driver that pays the price for what makes racing possible.
“I think it would be great if some local people could come here and see what happens. Seeing the importance, seeing the hard work that the keepers, the owners and the enthusiasm put in,” Lacey said.
It’s that hard work and passion that has made Keeneland a global powerhouse, bringing people from about 24 different counties to central Kentucky for its September sale.
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