What is a Yearling? Thoroughbred Horse Definition
Every Thoroughbred in the Northern Hemisphere officially shares a birthday of January 1 to simplify racing age groups. By September, these yearlings are roughly 18 to 20 months old. They are sold entirely on their pedigree, physical conformation, and athletic potential before ever wearing a saddle.
The million-dollar gavel
Anatomy of a superstar colt
The high-stakes dance floor
From bluegrass to global glory
sonia Place bids on elite yearlings to discover how Thoroughbred auctions break records.
sonia The Million-Dollar Gavel
Sold, sold, sold! Sold, sold, sold! Now watch the bluegrass turn into gold!
sonia Yearlings are one-year-old Thoroughbreds that have never raced but carry the hopes of future championships.
Auction records: The 2026 Keeneland September Sale set a single-session record on Day 2 when an amazing 23 different yearlings sold for $1 million or more.
sonia An astonishing 70 young horses sold for $1 million or more during the historic 12-day auction.
A small mallet used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer to signal attention or the closing of a bid. At the 2026 Keeneland September sale, the gavel finalized seventy bids of at least one million dollars.
What was the record-breaking total gross revenue of the 2026 Keeneland September Yearling Sale?
What is the official shared birthday of all Thoroughbred horses in the Northern Hemisphere?
Which historic Triple Crown winner was originally purchased as a yearling at Keeneland?