"Selling now"

[Diver52]

I'm reading a mystery (Felix Francis) with dirty deeds done in the auction ring. The narrator, a part-time auctioneer, notes that when he says in his patter "Selling now" that means the reserve has been reached. I've watched some of the Keeneland sales but I can't remember one way or another if I heard a similar comment. Anybody know? Or are buyers just left in the dark?

[RugbyGirl]

I don't watch Keeneland but in New Zealand they will say he/she is "on the market" or "the vendor says sell, sell, sell" there is a vendors box behind the auctioneer so they can confer midauction.
The idea is once the buyers know the horse will definitely be sold then more buyers might get interested.

[Diver52]

Thanks, Rugbygirl. I'll have to pay more attention when I watch the Keeneland breeding stock sale coming up.

[starrydreamer]

I'm fairly certain the Keeneland auctioneers do not say "selling now."