Keeneland Sales Feat: All 10 Grade I Stakes

It may be unprecedented in the annals of Thoroughbred public auctions.

Over the Oct. 7-10 weekend, all 10 grade I stakes contested in North America were won by horses that had either sold or been offered for sale at Keeneland in Lexington.

While some of the winners had been sold by other auction companies at some point, a sweep of this magnitude is a feat worthy of record books. And nine of those winners won "Win and You're In" Challenge Series races that offer automatic berths and free entry into the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

In addition, other Keeneland alumni finished second or third in some of those events, including a 1-2-3 sweep of the Juddmonte Spinster and 1-2 in the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, and others won grade II, grade III, and non-graded stakes over the weekend.

"It was unbelievable," said Keeneland sales director Geoffrey Russell, adding that he could not recall a similar feat for Keeneland sales or any other auction company. "It was a spectacular weekend of racing for all of our graduates."

Noting that some of the big winners did not sell when offered to the public, Russell said it was indicative of missed opportunities.

"The opportunity was there," he said. "The consignors and breeders bring us the best quality horses to sell and for buyers to buy. 2016 has been a banner year for auction horses."

The grade I winners, their respective races, Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race (all grade I), and Keeneland sale history are:

—Classic Empire, Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (Keeneland), Sentient Jet Juvenile

$475,000, 2015 Sept Yearling; Consignor, Warrendale Sales, agent; Buyer, John C. Oxley)

—Dancing Rags, Darley Alcibiades (Keeneland), 14 Hands Winery Juvenile Fillies

$80,000, 2015 Sept Yearling; Consignor, Lane's End, agent; Buyer, Bach Stables

—Hoppertunity, Jockey Club Gold Cup (Belmont Park). Classic

$300,000, 2012 Sept Yearling, Consignor, Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer, Bob Baffert, agent

—I'm a Chatterbox, Juddmonte Spinster (Keeneland), Longines Distaff

30,000 RNA, 2013 Sept Yearling; Consignor, William B. Harrigan, agent for Grayson Farm

—Lady Eli, Flower Bowl (Belmont Park), Filly and Mare Turf

$160,000, 2013 Sept. Yearling; Consignor, Runnymede Farm; agent, Buyer, Bradley Thoroughbreds, agent; $160,000, 2014 April 2YO in Training; Consignor, Eddie Woods, agent; Buyer, Jay Hanley

—Lord Nelson, Santa Anita Sprint Championship (Santa Anita Park), TwinSpires Sprint

340,000, 2013 Sept Yearling, Consignor, Clearsky Farms, agent; Buyer, John Fort

—Miss Temple City, Shadwell Turf Mile (Keeneland), Mile

$10,000 RNA, 2013 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor. Three Chimneys Sales, agent

—Photo Call, First Lady (Keeneland)

$3,000,000, 2015 Nov Breeding Stock; Consignor, Denali Stud, agent; Buyer, Crupi's New Castle

—Practical Joke, Champagne (Belmont Park), Sentient Jet Juvenile

$135,000, 2015 Jan Horses of All Ages; Consignor, Vinery Sales, agent; Buyer, Clear Ridge Stables; $240,000, 2015 Sept Yearling; Consignor, Gainesway, agent; Buyer, Aquinnah Ventures

—Yellow Agate, Frizette, (Belmont Park)

$70,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock; Consignor, Bluewater Sales, agent, Buyer, Walter Bloodstock; $210,000; 2015 Sept Yearling; Consignor, Hunter Valley Farm, agent, Buyer, China Horse Club