November Weanlings on Top
While the name of Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale aptly applies to the large number of broodmares, broodmare prospects, stallions and stallion prospects in the catalog, the sale is also the best market in the US for weanlings.
Weanlings were in high demand during the 2022 edition of the November Sale, appealing to pinhookers hoping to acquire young horses they can resell for a profit as well as end users hoping to purchase their future athletes.
Market Buoyant from Start to Finish
A total of 881 weanlings sold for gross receipts of $62.15 million during the 2022 November Sale. Weanlings in Book 1 averaged a sale-topping $244,519, with a $200,000 median that was also the highest for weanlings sold in the five books comprising the sale. The weanling clearance rate was also healthy throughout, with 76.27% of the weanlings changing hands at the sale’s conclusion.
In Book 1, we grossed 45% more for weanlings than we did last year. So we feel great support from breeders and consignors. It’s been a terrific collaboration.
The overall weanling market was strong. It was tough to buy the right ones. When you came across the right one, it brought plenty of money.
Most Expensive North American Weanling
For the fourth consecutive year and ninth time in the past 10 years, the November Sale produced the top-priced weanling sold in North America. The standout weanling, consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, was a filly by Medaglia d’Oro purchased by Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier for $1.5 million. The half-sister to champion Honor Code was the priciest weanling sold at the November Sale since 2015.
She’s a lovely, athletic filly. She is an exceptionally well-bred filly.
The pendulum has swung so much toward the physical horse. I think that is the determining factor at the yearling and weanling sales. They have to vet. They have to have the smooth physical and great walk. Those kinds, they (buyers) chase them hard.
OXO Acquires Pricey Colt
The November Sale also boasted the highest-priced weanling colt sold in North America last year, with Larry Best’s OXO Equine purchasing a striking son of Quality Road for $700,000. Consigned by Lane’s End, the colt is from the female family of the late leading sire Scat Daddy.
The physical is very good and he is by Quality Road. With a horse like this, you’re at the top of the market.
We had a couple of standout weanlings that were really well received by the market. When you have good physicals and attractive sire power and pedigrees on the dam side, the horses are able to tick each box.
Everything We Hoped for
The third-highest priced weanling in 2022 was a son of Uncle Mo purchased by Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo’s AAA Thoroughbreds for $575,000. The colt was consigned by Gainesway on behalf of the Roth family's LNJ Foxwoods.
It’s everything we hoped for.
