LEXINGTON, Ky. — Keeneland, the world's leading thoroughbred auction house, has appointed Ignacio Correas IV and Ezequiel Valle as South American sales representatives, marking a significant expansion of the sales operation's international footprint.

The announcement, made May 21, follows the recent addition of Reed Ringler to Keeneland's sales team, reinforcing a continued focus on recruitment and client service. Correas, a fourth-generation horseman, retired from training in 2025 following a successful career and brings decades of experience and relationships across both North and South America.

Correas comes from an Argentinian family who has bred races since 1872. The first Don Ignacio Correas traveled to England in 1906 and came home with Epsom Derby winner Diamond Jubilee, who became a foundation stallion in Argentina and solidified the Correas name in Argentine racing. According to Equibase, Correas collected 297 wins and more than $20 million in purses during a U.S. career that began in 2010.

Valle, based in Argentina, adds extensive relationships across breeding, racing and farm management, currently serving as a leader at Haras Firmamento, one of South America's premier breeding operations. "I'm proud to represent Keeneland and look forward to building even stronger connections with clients across South America," Valle said. "Having attended Keeneland sales as a buyer, I understand what our clients value and how we can best support their participation."

"Keeneland has long taken a global approach to recruitment, building relationships across various regions to deliver the most diverse buying bench in the industry," Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. Each year, Keeneland representatives travel to more than 20 countries in support of a global recruitment and outreach program. These efforts create connections and raise awareness of Keeneland Sales among international buyers and attract the broadest buyer base to Keeneland.

Correas and Valle join Keeneland's international representatives Ed Prosser (Europe), Kate Hunter (Japan), and Barry Bowditch (Australia). Keeneland Association, Inc. is an equine business based in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. It includes two distinct divisions: the Keeneland Race Course, a Thoroughbred racing facility, and Keeneland Sales, a horse auction complex.