Coolmore Stud topped Day 1 of Keeneland’s November Sale with $1.85 million for Group 1 winning mare Society Selection.  

Society Selection (Coronado’s Quest) was a G1 winner of the Frizette Stakes, Alabama Stakes and Test Stakes and earned over $1.98 million.  She was part of the Irving Cowan dispersal and was offered in foal to Darley shuttler Medaglia d’Oro.

Monday’s opening session saw 183 lots change hands for $38.97 million at an average of $212,951.  That was 2% up on the average 12 months ago.
Keeneland Director Geoffrey Russell cited the proximity of the Breeders’ Cup as one of the reasons for the increases.  “The industry benefits when the Breeders’ Cup is held at Churchill Downs,” he said. “It draws more buyers – both internationally and domestically – when they can take in the Breeders’ Cup and then attend the sales.”

Coolmore also purchased G1 Santa Anita Oaks winner Golden Ballet for $1.40 million.  The Moscow Ballet mare is the dam of G1 Belmont Stakes winner Drosselmeyer and LR Affectionately Handicap winner Stage Luck.  She was sold in foal to Unbridled’s Song and will be sent to Ireland and bred to Galileo in 2011.

Danehill Dancer mare Carribean Sunset will be sent to Australian after being purchased for $1 million by Kia-Ora Stud.   Carribean Sunset won the G3 Irish 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown and she was beaten a head in the G1 Diana Stakes at Saratoga last year.

“The list of top buyers is very international in nature and the domestic market has been stronger than expected,”  Keeneland Director Geoffrey Russell reported.  “We’re off to a good, solid start.”

Russell also cited the positive impact on the sale of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which were held this past weekend at Churchill Downs.  “We feel the industry benefits when the Breeders’ Cup is held locally,” he said. “It draws more buyers – both internationally and domestically – when they can take in the Breeders’ Cup and then attend the sales.”

The November Sale continues through to Saturday, November 20.  The Sale is streamed live at www.keeneland.com.