The US American show-jumper, Lillie Keenan, already knows which horse she wants to ride in the big classes at the CHIO Aachen in the coming years – Chagrin d’Amour, who won the Final of the Sparkassen-Youngsters-Cup today in impressive style.

Killer Queen won the Sparkassen-Youngsters-Cup, before carrying her rider Daniel Deußer to the longed-for victory in the Rolex Grand Prix years later. Lillie Keenan already has the feeling she could compete in the Rolex Major leg of Aachen with Chagrin d’Amour tomorrow, and that he would excel just as much as today in the Sparkassen-Youngsters-Cup. No less than 13 pairs had reached the jump-off in today’s Final, ten of whom jumped double clear. Whether with or without picking up faults, none of the other riders were able to match Lillie Keenan and Chagrin d’Amour’s time. Despite the fact that Keenan said, she has rarely ever ridden him fast. The eight-year-old Luxembourg-bred Candy de Nantuel son is obviously a natural talent. The clock stopped at 36.61 seconds, a clear victory.

Ben Maher (GBR) was close on their heels in second place with the Zangersheide-bred gelding, Maddox vh Haringvliet Z (by Montender). The pair reached the finish line in a time of 36.83 seconds. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor claimed third place with the Hanoverian-bred gelding, Pegasus (37.19). The grey gelding descends from Checkter, who also spent a brief spell at O’Connor’s yard.

Asked about Chagrin d’Amour, Lillie Keenan raved, ”To be honest, I knew I had a chance of winning this class with this horse. In his own head he is already a twelve-year-old. He is incredibly smart. I honestly have the feeling I could ride him in the Rolex Grand Prix tomorrow.” What was her strategy today? “I haven’t often ridden him fast. But I thought today is the day to try it out. His breeder, André Nepper, came to watch him. Which is great. We have owned him jointly for quite a while already and we are like a family. We have always believed in him. He is simply really something special!”

Lillie Keenan also won a special prize for her victory: A colt by Chaloubino PS OLD x Balou du Rouet called Chalou Touch HC. The “HC” stands for the breeders, Heike and Carmen Zimmermann from Nettetal. Keenan’s plans for her four-legged newcomer? “Quite honestly – I don’t know yet. We’ll have to see.” Perhaps he will follow in Chagrin d’Amour’s footsteps.