The Keeneland September yearling sale resumed on Saturday with double-digit gains in turnover, average, and median.  The Day 5 figures were helped by six individuals that sold for $300,000 or more.

An Empire Maker colt commanded the top price of $430,000 and three of the top six lots were sired by Gainesway Farm resident Tapit.

Keeneland reported 296 horses sold for $25.79 million on Saturday.  The average of $87,132 rose 18% from last year while the median price of $70,000 was up 37%.  The clearance rate was 79%.

The Empire Maker colt was bought by agent Mike Ryan from Lane’s End Farm.  Empire Maker formerly stood at Juddmonte Farms in Kentucky before transferring to Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan.  His session topper is from stakes-winning Pulpit mare Katerbug.

Gainesway as agent consigned four of the other five highest-priced yearlings.  The most expensive was a Birdstone colt out of the winning Grand Slam mare Grand Portege.  He sold for $385,000 to Live Oak Plantation.

“The session started strong and stayed strong all the way through,” Keeneland vice-president Walt Robertson said.  “Every number was right and the buyback was lower compared to this session last year.”

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