Keeneland officials announced Aug. 12 that the third annual Keeneland Championship Sale will take place the evening of Oct. 28 at the iconic Castleton just days prior to the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland. The Championship sale offers buyers access to unique offerings, including fractional interests in Breeders' Cup contenders, stallion shares, breeding rights, elite broodmares, racing prospects, and other rare offerings.
As the final lot of the evening, Keeneland's auction team will offer Castleton, also known as Castleton Lyons, listed by Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty—marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two entities and a historic moment.
"Every year, we ask ourselves how we can push the Championship Sale forward, giving our guests an unforgettable event and buyers something they can't find anywhere else," Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "This year's auction promises to be exceptional, set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Bluegrass, and closing the evening with the offering of Castleton. These historic moments are what make the Championship Sale so special."
Championship Sale: from Del Mar to the Bluegrass
Entering its third year, the Keeneland Championship Sale has quickly established itself as one of racing's most anticipated events. Held annually on the Wednesday prior to the Breeders' Cup, the invitation-only sale offers a curated selection of extraordinary opportunities timed to coincide with the sport's biggest stage: the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
The sale's first two editions were held in the paddock at Del Mar, drawing an exceptional group of buyers and offerings. The 2025 sale grossed $7.675 million, led by a $3 million share in leading sire Not This Time and a $1 million, 25% interest in Bentornato—whose victory in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) just three days later rewarded buyers Michael and Jules Iavarone. The inaugural 2024 sale grossed $4.325 million, topped by a $2.5 million share in Flightline .
With Keeneland hosting the Breeders' Cup Oct. 30-31, the Championship sale will make its Central Kentucky debut, set against the backdrop of one of the Bluegrass' most storied horse farms.
"The first two years of the Championship Sale exceeded our expectations, and that momentum is only building as we head into this year," Keeneland vice president of sales Tony Lacy said. "With the Breeders' Cup World Championships returning to Keeneland, the timing has never been better to offer the best bloodstock opportunities to buyers eager to play at the highest level. And closing the auction with the sale of Castleton makes this an evening unlike anything we've offered before."
Castleton: Storied Setting, Historic Opportunity
Founded in 1793 by John Breckinridge, Castleton is one of the Bluegrass' oldest and most storied horse farms, its roots reaching back to the beginning of the nation. The farm rose to prominence in the late 19th century, producing 1896 Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush, among other champions.
Today, under the stewardship of the Ryan family, the farm continues that legacy. Castleton bred, raced, and stood three-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, who earned $6.16 million. Castleton also bred or co-bred millionaire and multiple grade 1 winner Jack Christopher ; millionaire, multiple grade 1 winner, and 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1) starter Gormley; grade 1 winner Chi Town Lady; and 2023 Kentucky Derby starter Cyclone Mischief.
Just minutes from downtown Lexington, Castleton is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Thoroughbred farms in the world, anchored by a Greek Revival mansion dating to 1840, ornate ironwork gates and tree-lined drives—a landscape that will provide a breathtaking backdrop for this historic Thoroughbred auction and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history.
"Castleton has existed as an equine operation for more than two centuries, whether with Standardbreds, Saddlebreds, or Thoroughbreds, and we have been the sixth stewards of this historic farm," said Shane Ryan, owner of Castleton. "So there has to be a magnificent seventh steward out there. It has been an honor and a privilege to hold the reins. We have made wonderful memories and accomplished so much. I'd like to recognize and thank all the ladies and gentlemen who have worked diligently on this farm over the years. They are the backbone of our success and an important part of the Castleton family.
"We have been blessed to be part of Castleton's history, and I would welcome whoever takes over those reins to wrap their arms around this place and truly enjoy it. If possible, live here—live here full-time. Make it your home and enjoy every moment of it. It's only when you spend even a little time here that you begin to understand what makes the farm so extraordinary. Enjoy the grande dame that is Castleton."
Unique Collaboration
In an unprecedented pairing of two internationally recognized brands, Keeneland and Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty are joining forces to bring this landmark estate to market. Keeneland's world-renowned auction team will conduct the live auction, while listing agent Ken Donworth of Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty leads the marketing and brokerage of the approximately 951-acre property, which includes the Greek Revival residence, championship-caliber breeding and training facilities, and rolling Bluegrass pastureland.
"Castleton is a rare opportunity to own one of the Bluegrass' most distinctive farms—suited equally to Thoroughbred, Standardbred, or show horse ownership, and steeped in more than two centuries of history," Donworth said. "Few properties offer this combination of history, architecture and legacy. We're thrilled to collaborate with Keeneland to showcase this treasure at the Championship Sale."
To learn more about the Keeneland Championship Sale, including details for prospective sellers and preregistration for remote and in-person bidding, visit Keeneland.com. For more information on Castleton, visit www.BGSIR.com.
Additional details about the Championship Sale, including equine offerings, will be announced.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
