Keenan Wins, Deslauriers 2nd in $200,000 Grand Prix

you're listening to an article from horse sport.com. keenan wins, deslauriers 2nd in $200,000 grand prix by: wellington international |. lillie keenan (usa) went two-for-two during week 11 at the 2024 winter equestrian festival (wef) in sunday’s $200,000 ida development csi4* grand prix, presented by barnwalkers, after also winning friday’s qualifier at wellington international in wellington, fl. keenan, 27, and agana van het gerendal z, a 13-year-old zangersheide stallion (aganix du seigneur x topas), owned by chansonette farm, led the way from final draw in a five-horse jump-off over courses designed by andy christiansen (ecu). they stopped the clock in 35.75 seconds to pip mario deslauriers (can) riding 15-year-old holsteiner mare bardolina 2 (clarimo x landos) owned by wishing well farm. the canadian olympian and his tokyo games mount posted a time of 37.23 seconds. france’s nina mallevaey (fra) rounded out the podium in 38.41 seconds aboard cartier sr, a 12-year-old holsteiner gelding (canturenter x san patrignano cassini) owned by the rein family. advertisement scroll to continue with content “every class i put him in he can win, so when he’s my number-one i have a few chances to win some important classes,” said keenan, a member of the u.s. team at the 2022 fei world equestrian games in herning, denmark. “he was a star on friday and he bettered that performance in the grand prix.”. keenan also took top call in the adequan® wef challenge cup qualifier on friday with agana van het gerendal z, and as a result, accepted the martha jolicoeur leading international rider award, presented together with michael and wendy smith. “unlike many in the jump-off, he improves from the speed round,” continued keenan. “he gets scope from speed and momentum. that’s why he’s a wonderful horse to have in your string; no matter the type of class, he can win.”. keenan explained that aggie—as he’s known around the barn—requires very little work during show week. “we had a nice flat around on saturday, and then he came in here to win the grand prix,” she said. “i was in the best position to be able to go last. i have had him for many years and he is my partner, but when your emotions are running high and you’re trying to win, your horse has to believe in you. i trust him completely.”. to cap the week, keenan’s groom and agana van het gerendal z’s caregiver, kelly rohe, was presented with the $500 grooms award by double h farm. results here.