Keeneland September Sale Format Locked In

In a rejigged format for its prized September Yearling Sale, US sales company Keeneland will have four opening sessions to precede a "dark day" on September 17, reports bloodhorse.com. Books 1 and 2 will be presented over four sessions (September 13-16) in an effort to maximise auction numbers to an international buying bench. Book 1 sessions will commence at 1pm ET each day (with an alphabetical dam listing) with Book 2 lots starting at 11am ET. Following the dark day, 8 further sessions will then be conducted from September 18-25 (10am start). Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin and vice president of sales Tony Lacy released a joint statement, "We made this adjustment after consulting with numerous buyers and sellers who continue to express their strong desire to see a significant number of yearlings before a break." They added, "We are keenly aware that the goal is to create a consistent format year to year. We are committed to meeting that goal, and to ensuring a stable marketplace for buyers and sellers alike."