LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Nyquist colt commanded $2.25 million at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale on Wednesday, setting a session record and highlighting another robust day for the prestigious horse auction.

The colt, purchased by Kimmel/Sallusto acting as agent for Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, was the highest-priced horse sold on Day 3 since the sale's current format of two-day Book 1 and two-day Book 2 sessions began in 2021. Out of the Bernardini mare Hot Cha and bred in Kentucky by Fred W. Hertrich III and John D. Fielding, the colt traces to the family of champion Xtra Heat.

The robust bidding continued throughout Wednesday's session at the Lexington track, with 14 yearlings selling for $1 million or more — another session record. Through-the-ring sales totaled $89.535 million for 209 horses, marking a 4.47% increase from last year's $85.702 million for 221 yearlings in the third session. The average price climbed to $428,397, up 10.47% year-over-year, though the median dipped slightly to $310,000.

"When you're in the middle of the sale, you're seeing the real trade," said Tony Lacy, Keeneland's vice president of sales. "The good horses were bringing incredible prices. I think everybody was getting rewarded for the horses that people gravitated toward."

Through the first three days of the sale, 417 horses brought $240.935 million, a 4.81% increase from the corresponding period last year when 438 yearlings sold for $229.887 million. The cumulative average of $577,782 rose 10.08% from 2025.

Other notable sales Wednesday included an Into Mischief colt that fetched $2 million and a Flightline colt that sold for $1.85 million to Ron Winchell's Winchell Thoroughbreds. Douglas Scharbauer led all buyers with purchases totaling $3.85 million for five horses, while Gainesway was the leading consignor with $10.89 million in sales from 29 horses.

With 55 horses selling for $1 million or more through three sessions, the sale is tracking toward the record of 56 set in 2025. The September Sale continues through Sept. 26 with sessions streamed live at Keeneland.com.