Lillie Keenan Meets Her Match to Win $8,106,000 GNP Seguros MLSJ Grand Prix of Monterrey CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 6 06America/Sao_Paulo November 06America/Sao_Paulo 2022

Monterrey, Mexico – November 05, 2022 – Lillie Keenan (USA) checked a big item off her bucket list by claiming her first CSI5* Grand Prix victory in the MXN $8,106,000 GNP Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix of Monterrey CSI 5*. From a stacked field, she and Queensland E, a 13-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Quickfire de Ferann x Socrate De Chivre) were the first to crack the code on Anthony D’Ambrosio‘s (USA) 1.60m course.

New talent to Keenan’s string, Queensland E is no stranger to 5* competition. The stallion and 26-year-old Keenan made quick work of finding immediate success when they joined forces earlier this year. That success reached a peak on Saturday in Mexico.

**Lillie Keenan** (USA) & **Queensland E**

From a three-horse jump-off, Keenan and Queensland E set an early pace and held on for the eventual victory over Brazil’s Eduardo Menezes at the stunning Club Hípico La Silla.

**Eduardo Menezes** (BRA) & **H. Big Action**

After an unlucky rail in the jump-off, Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and H. Big Action (Action Breaker x Big Star) settled for the runner-up position.

**Arturo Parada Vallejo** (MEX) & **Bacot**

Despite a heavy fall and ensuing elimination in the tiebreaker, Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX) rounded out the podium in third for the home nation aboard Bacot (Lavillon x Corrado).

**Lillie Keenan** (USA) with **Queensland E**

Winner’s Circle – Lillie Keenan (USA)

“From the beginning, Queensland has always tried his heart out for me, and that’s the most important thing. He goes a little in his own way, but today I didn’t ride my best, and he gave me more than everything. So, I think that’s really what makes a horse so special at this level.

He has a lot of blood. That’s what makes him so good; you can turn back with no canter on a big oxer and he finds a way to jump it.

I honestly love jumping outdoors and on grass, so [the MLSJ] series is unbelievable for me. Now I get to jump all of these weeks on big, beautiful grass rings on great footing. I think that makes the horses their absolute happiest and they jump their best. I’m really excited to have been here. We had a great start in San Miguel and now obviously an amazing week in Monterrey. I’m looking forward to another week in Mexico and then go on to Thermal. It’s really been a dream come true for me.“ – Lillie Keenan (USA)

Action at MLSJ Monterrey concludes on Sunday with the stage 7 of the MLSJ Team Competition. MLSJ will return to Club Hípico La Silla in Monterrey, Mex, for stage 8 of MLSJ November 10-13. To view a complete schedule, click here.