WELLINGTON, Fla--Lillie Keenan placed first and third in the $35,000 National Grand Prix with Laura Chapot fitting  in between in second at the first show of the Wellington International Spring Series on Saturday, April 4.

Lillie Keenan on Electrique (Photo by Sportfot)Lillie Keenan on Electrique won in a 10 horse jump-off from a starting field of 45 over a course set by Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz Harris (of Mexico.

After winning the $10,000 Open Stake earlier in the week, Chapot on C & C Willow led for most of the round with a time of 39.459 seconds. 

Keenan, second to last to go on Electrique, finished clean in in 35.855 seconds to win by almost four seconds over Chapot.

Keenan was also third on Anton, clean in 39.485 seconds.

Keenan is riding Electrique for her student and the horse’s owner, Isabel Coxe.

“I show her in order to give Izzy the best instruction I can," said Keenan. "I competed Electrique during Premiere Week of WEF, and it set us up well for them to be able to grow a lot in the season. That recipe seems to work for our system. The priority is that they develop a relationship and a bond, and see how far they can go together, but the horse is exceptional.”

 

KEENAN said Coxe and Electrique will next compete during the CSI3* of Spring II.

Keenan was just named to compete at the FEI World Cup  Finals next week in Fort Worth, Texas when McLain Ward withdrew due to minor injuries to his back and hand suffered when Snapchat fell with him in a jump-off at WEF..

“Having two horses in the jump-off was actually good practice for next week, being able to practice going full speed is good for your riding," said Keenan. "I think it was an advantage for me to do this today before I go to Texas.”