Brisk business powered across-the-board gains during Day 3 of Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale on Wednesday.  Trade was boosted by a Bernardini colt that made $1.55 million to the bid of Coolmore agent Demi O’Byrne.

Keeneland reported 196 lots changed hands during the session for $34.57 million at an average of $176,393.  The average was up 16% and the median of $145,000 increased 12%.  The clearance rate dropped 3 points to 73%.

O’Byrne purchased the day’s two top-priced yearlings – the Bernardini colt and a Big Brown colt for $825,000.

The sale-topping Bernardini colt was bought on behalf of Coolmore Stud and is out of the Carson City mare Wilshewed.  He’s a half-brother to G1 winner Stormello and G2 winner My Best Brother and was consigned as agent by Catherine Parke’s Valkyre Stud.

“The Bernardini. colt is such an unbelievable looking animal and he has the pedigree,” Parke said.  “People kept coming back to look at him again and again.  There just weren’t any holes in him.”

Shadwell Estates purchased the day’s third-highest priced yearling, spending $650,000 for a colt by Dynaformer out of stakes winner Effectual (Carson City).

Next best on the leader-board was a Medaglia d’Oro colt out of Weekend Whim that brought a bid of $600,000 from the Japanese-based J S Company Ltd.  Weekend Whim (Distorted Humor) is a sister to Darley shuttler Any Given Saturday.

The September Sale continues to Friday, September 21.  It’s streamed live at:  www.keeneland.com