“WE’RE so happy to be having a September Yearling Sale.” These were the words of Keeneland president-elect and interim head of sales Shannon Arvin on Sunday as the first of 12 sessions of selling began. This was the first of two days in Book 1 of the marathon auction.

Arvin added: “It was great to have people on the grounds. It was great to have trade. It was great to see people following protocols so we can continue to have trade. It was a good day overall.” The opening session saw 109 yearlings sell for $40,680,000, producing an average of $373,211 and a median of $330,000. Five yearlings sold for $1 million or more.