Gross sales rose for a third consecutive day on Friday at Keeneland's November Thoroughbred breeding stock sale, led by the sale of Dancing Shoes, in foal to Unbridled's Song , for $400,000.

Gross receipts for Friday's session totaled $20,399,700, up 23.22% from the $16,556,000 posted last year. The session average of $83,605 increased 1.5% from $82,368 recorded in 2008, while the median of $60,000 was down 7.69% from last year's $65,000. A total of 244 horses were sold this year compared to 201 in 2008.

"There is a sense of realism at this sale; it is much more consistent," said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland's director of sales. "There is a lot more American participation and a number of different people buying horses. Those are good and healthy signs."

Following four days of selling, gross sales totaled $118,884,200, down 9.4% from $131,281,000 in 2008. Average decreased 17.11% from $181,327 to $150,296. The median of $95,000 was down 5% from $100,000 recorded last year