Rockwood, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – August 17, 2024 – Lillie Keenan’s (USA) five-star grand prix tally rose to three on Saturday evening at Major League Show Jumping Toronto. Riding Kick On for Chansonette Farm, Keenan won the $200,000 Kubota Grand Prix CSI 5* in front of an electric crowd at Angelstone Tournaments. The Trelawny Trailblazers rider has now won a hat trick of five-star grand prix after clinching the MLSJ Monterrey Grand Prix in 2022 with Queensland E and again last year in Ottawa aboard her FEI World Equestrian Games mount, Argan de Beliard.
“I knew that my horse could win this class if I was on the job” said Keenan of Kick On, known fondly as “Ken” around the barn. “I didn’t get in his way tonight.”
Kick On, a 10-year-old BE/SIES (Warrior x Cartino Glory), had never jumped a five-star grand prix before attacking Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) track under the lights on Saturday.
“Every time I walk any jump-off class, I make sure to walk the jump-off; I like to have a plan and a number of strides,” said Keenan of her approach to the grand prix course. “I knew with Kent behind me, I was going to have to go flat out if I wanted to beat him. There’s been quite a few times I’ve been a bridesmaid to him, so it was nice to get in front of him.”
The 2023 winner of the MLSJ Toronto Grand Prix, Kent Farrington (USA) gave his best effort on Toulayna, a 10-year-old Toulon daughter, but couldn’t catch Keenan. She stopped the clock more than a second faster in 39.17 seconds, while world no. 6 Farrington broke the beam in 40.57 seconds for owner Rabbit Root Stables.
“That’s a great thing about Major League; we have so many top riders, and we really push each other to keep improving,” continued Keenan. “I’d love to go two-for-two in Ottawa. I’m going to bring back Argan de Beliard and try to keep rolling on this high.”
Rounding out the top three, Ireland’s David O’Brien (IRL) capped out a banner week in third aboard El Balou OLD. After helping team Helios to a win on Friday, he and the 12-year-old (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x Balou du Rouet) owned by Leap Year Farm together with Chansonette Farm came in at 42.06 seconds.
As MLSJ Toronto comes to a close, The League heads to the Canadian capital of Ottawa for leg three of the 2024 season at Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments’ Wesley Clover Parks. Re-watch all MLSJ Toronto action on MLSJ TV.
Final Results – $200,000 Kubota Grand Prix CSI 5*
1) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick On – 0 / 0 – 39.17
2) Kent Farrington (USA) & Toulayna – 0 / 0 – 40.57
3) David O’Brien (IRL) & El Balou OLD – 0 / 0 – 42.06
Source: Press Release from MLSJ – Major League Show Jumping
Photos: © MLSJ / Mackenzie Clark
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News USA
