Lillie Keenan Crowned Queen of Devon

Lillie Keenan (USA) on Kick On completes one of the final jumps in the historic Dixon Oval during the jump-off round of the 2024 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake at Devon on Saturday, June 1, 2024 (Andrew McKeough/AKSM Photography for AKSM Equestrian/AKSM Sports).

Keenan’s performance over the past week earned her some of the most coveted titles of the prestigious show including overall Open Jumper Champion, Leading Open Jumper Rider, and Leading Lady Rider.

Article by Andrew McKeough, Chief Producer

DEVON, Pa. - Wearing a signature rose-pink riding jacker, Lillie Keenan took to the historic and prestigious Dixon Oval at Devon Saturday night riding Chansonette Farm LLC’s Kick On with high hopes and left a champion like no other.

Following a stellar performance during Thursday night’s Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon - where Keenan and Kick On took the red as well as the Richard E. McDevitt Style Award for “the rider who exemplifies the best style of riding during the Grand Prix” - Keenan soon became a Devon favorite for the rest of the week’s events as crowds from across the country took to the grandstands to watch her ride.

Saturday night’s $145,100 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake saw Keenan and Kick On take second after a first round time of 69.21 and a jump off time of 36.70. She came in just behind Alex Matz (USA) on Cashew CR, who took blue with a first round time of 64.40 and a jump off time of 34.71. Lucy Matz (USA) - sister to Alex Matz - rode Fyolieta to a third place finish and a yellow ribbon. Though Keenan would take red during the open jumper stake, she would leave a victor after being awarded Open Jumper Champion, Leading Open Jumper Rider, and Leading Lady Rider.

Shortlisted for a spot on Team USA in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Keenan has been showing at Devon for 20 years and credits infamous Team USA equestrian rider McLain Ward as her mentor. Ward is a 12-time winner of the Sapphire Grand Prix.