Lillie Keenan Triumphs in CSI4* Grand Prix at WEF 11 in Wellington
American equestrian Lillie Keenan concluded the 11th week of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in style, clinching the top spot in the main event of the weekend as well. On Sunday at the Wellington International, in the $200,000 CSI4* Grand Prix presented by Barnwalkers, Lillie Keenan and Agana van het Gerendal Z, a 13-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Aganix du Seigneur x Topas), owned by Chansonette Farm, secured victory in spectacular fashion.
The pair masterfully navigated the course designed by course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU), going last in the jump-off, and stopping the clock at 35.75 seconds, surpassing Mario Deslauriers (CAN) on Bardolina 2, a 15-year-old Holsteiner mare (Clarimo x Landos), owned by Wishing Well Farm. The Canadian duo clocked in at 37.23 seconds.
French rider Nina Mallevaey (FRA) completed the podium with a time of 38.41 seconds, riding Cartier SR, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Canturenter x San Patrignano Cassini), owned by Rein Family.
Lillie Keenan, who was already a member of the U.S. team at the FEI World Championships 2022 in Herning, Denmark, commented on Agana van het Gerendal Z’s performance: “He’s showing me he can win every class he goes in. He was outstanding on Friday and he stepped it up today in the Grand Prix.”
Keenan also triumphed in Friday’s Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup qualifier with Agana van het Gerendal Z, earning the Martha Jolicoeur International Rider Award, presented alongside Michael and Wendy Smith.
“Unlike a lot of horses in the jump-off, he gets better as he goes,” Keenan continued. “He gains agility and speed. That’s why he’s such a wonderful horse to have in the barn; regardless of the type of class, he can win.”
With this second significant victory over the weekend at the Wellington International, Lillie Keenan once again showcased her skill aboard her exceptional partner Agana van het Gerendal Z.
Complete CSI4* Grand Prix WEF 11 standings
Source: Press Release Wellington International | Lillie Keenan & Agana van het Gerendal Z, winners of the $200,000 IDA Development CSI4* Grand Prix, presented by Barnwalkers. Photo © Sportfot
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