(Keeneland Sales Pavilion / Photo by Kelly Sears)

From the Keeneland Media Team / Amy Owens:

Keeneland Announces Sales Policy Updates Beginning in 2027


Changes reinforce Keeneland’s standard for equine welfare and marketplace quality

LEXINGTON, KY (Oct. 1, 2026) – Keeneland today announced several updates to its Conditions of Sale and entry policies that will take effect beginning with its 2027 January Horses of All Ages Sale.

The updated policies establish new requirements related to the age of broodmares offered at Keeneland, increase the upset (minimum) price for all Keeneland sales and introduce an additional eligibility requirement for pregnant mares entered in the January Sale.

“As our industry and marketplace continue to evolve, it is important that we regularly evaluate our policies and make thoughtful adjustments when appropriate,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “These updates are intended to support the well-being of the horses entrusted to us while continuing to provide buyers and sellers with the vibrant marketplace for which we are known.”

Broodmare Age Requirements: Beginning in 2027, mares older than 18 years of age will not be eligible to sell at Keeneland, except as part of a complete dispersal. Mares that are 18 years old must be in foal at the time of sale to be eligible.

Upset Price Increased: Keeneland also will increase the upset price at all sales to $2,500 beginning in 2027. The change raises the minimum acceptable bid for horses offered through the Keeneland sales ring.

Cover Date Requirement for January Sale: Beginning with the 2027 January Sale, pregnant mares entered in the auction must have a cover date of March 1 or later in the preceding year to be eligible for sale.

The new policies will be reflected in Keeneland’s 2027 Conditions of Sale and/or applicable entry materials.

Deadline for entries to the 2027 January Sale is Nov. 1.

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Since its first race meet 90 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts six sales a year, in January, April, September, October and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. On Oct. 30-31, Keeneland will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for the fourth time, following 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information please email Keeneland Communications Associate Amy Owens at aowens@keeneland.com