Starting in 2024, the Kentucky November breeding stock sales dates will be fixed on the Monday and Tuesday after the Breeders' Cup, despite the location of the event, according to a joint press release from Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland, who said that the goal was providing “stability and the strongest market possible.”
This year, the Fasig-Tipton November auction will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Keeneland November will open Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Beginning in November 2024, the Fasig-Tipton November Sale will take place on the Monday following the Breeders' Cup, while the November Breeding Stock Sale at Keeneland will begin on Tuesday. The Monday/Tuesday schedule will remain in place regardless of where the Breeders' Cup is staged. The 2024 World Championships will take place Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, 2024, at Del Mar. Accordingly, the Fasig-Tipton November Sale will commence Monday, Nov. 4 and Keeneland November will open Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In the past few years, the sales dates have varied based on the location of the Breeders' Cup and the interruption caused by the Covid pandemic.
“Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton share a commitment to do what is best for the health and vibrancy of our industry,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This schedule not only provides clarity, but capitalizes on the momentum from Breeders' Cup, maximizes the opportunity for international buyers to participate and creates positive energy surrounding both sales. We've listened to the thoughtful feedback from our clients and members of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association and worked to determine an outcome that is beneficial for everyone.”
“Both sales companies share a vision and commitment to serve the marketplace in the most effective manner,” Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning Jr. said. “This announcement provides all industry participants a defined and consistent schedule for the November sales.”
Walker Hancock, the president of the Consignors and Breeders Association, said, “I want to thank the sales companies for getting together and figuring out this path forward that benefits the whole industry. It's great to see them working together. It's a solution that benefits all.”
Elite Sales co-owner Liz Crow, a member of the board of the CBA and who frequently sells mares at the two sales who have competed in the Breeders' Cup just days before, said, “When the Breeders' Cup is in Kentucky, I think Monday-Tuesday is great. When it's in California, I would prefer Tuesday-Wednesday. I found that when buyers have more time they can gather more information and do their homework, and it's less stressful on everyone, including our equine athletes, which are the most important factor here. Flying these mares home and then having them sell right off the plane is harsh and not very safe for them. I have had a few instances of horses colicking, and it's hard to get them rehydrated after a hard race like the Breeders' Cup. The buyers are rushed through the process when you have the Breeders' Cup in California. I am very happy that we're not doing Sunday any more. And I am happy the sales companies worked together and were able to figure something out this year before the entry deadline.”
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