Lillie Keenan Conquers the Lillie Hermès Championship Jumper Classic CSI 3* at Wellington

By Jumper News USA on January 13, 2026

Wellington, United States – January 11, 2026 – Last to go in the jump-off of the $32,000 Hermès 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, Lillie Keenan (USA) took the win abroad 9-year-old Chagrin D’Amour to close the final day of opening FEI week at the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The WEF season at Wellington International hosts 12 weeks of FEI competition and runs through March 29 in Wellington, FL.

“He’s not the quickest galloping horse, so you have to leave out or be willing to take risks because he has extra scope,” said Keenan, whose own Chansonette Farm purchased the stallion as a seven-year-old.

**Mckayla Langmeier** (USA) & **Pepita VD Rollebeek**

Keenan and the French-bred stallion (Candy de Nantuel x Stakkato) stopped the clock at 37.99 seconds to take over the lead from fellow American Mckayla Langmeier (USA) riding Pepita VD Rollebeek, an 11-year-old mare by Otangelo X Toulon, for owner by Rafferty Farm.

Rounding out the podium from a 13-horse jump-off over tracks set by course designer Nick Granat (USA), Ireland’s Cian O’Connor (IRL) was third riding Ulysses for Coolmore Showjumping.

**Lillie Keenan** (USA) & **Chagrin D’Amour**

Keenan knew she had the advantage over the short course and came in with a plan, “One to two was six [strides], which is a leave out for most horses and quite long. For me, it was that long. I took a winger at the first jump, which wasn’t the best ride, but my horse is so good—I got away with it. I thought coming home, I could do 10 strides in the last line when most horses had to do 11. That paid off. I didn’t think I was fast enough, but in the end I was.”

Keenan took over the ride on Chagrin D’Amour one year ago in Wellington after leaving the stallion in Europe for some time to be further developed in the program of Francois Mathy. Soon after partnering, Keean rode the talented chestnut with ring presence to spare to victory in the Youngster Cup Final at CHIO Aachen in July of 2025.

Keenan said she’s now taking it slow as the pair continues to work their way up, and she focuses on the long list for the 2026 World Championship in Germany this summer after she made her World Championship debut in 2022 at Herning.

With Keenan now leading the season standings, the $150,000 Hermès 1.50m Championship Jump Series Final takes place on March 21 during WEF 11.