The case stems from Keenan’s victory in the second Rolex Grand Prix qualifier aboard Kick On, her 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion. Following their winning round in Aachen, Kick On was selected for routine anti-doping and medication control. Lab results subsequently revealed the presence of triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid widely used in equine veterinary medicine to manage joint inflammation.

The Fast-Track Resolution

Because triamcinolone acetonide is classified by the FEI as a "Controlled Medication" - a substance therapeutic in nature, as opposed to a banned performance enhancer - and because Keenan maintains a clean record with no prior anti-doping violations, she was eligible to utilize the FEI’s streamlined administrative procedure.

By opting for the Fast Track agreement, Keenan avoids a formal tribunal hearing and a suspension, but faces strict administrative consequences:

  • Financial Penalties: A fine of 1,500 Swiss Francs ($1,750 USD), plus 1,000 Swiss Francs in administrative costs.

  • Forfeiture of Results: Disqualification from the class, resulting in the loss of her placings, prize money, and World Ranking points earned during the class.

Keenan Responds: "An Anomaly"

Throughout the inquiry, Keenan maintained complete transparency with governing officials. In a statement addressing the finding, she emphasized that Kick On’s treatment had been administered well outside the FEI’s published 7-day detection time guideline.

"In preparation for the May CSI5* in Aachen, Germany, Kick On received maintenance joint injections using a permitted treatment: triamcinolone acetonide. Out of an abundance of caution, the injection was conducted 26 days before competing. The FEI-published withdrawal time (the detection time plus an added safety margin to account for individual horse metabolism, fitness, and dosage) for triamcinolone acetonide is 7 days."

"I have worked openly with the FEI and my veterinarians throughout this process to determine that the detection of triamcinolone acetonide during competition was unforeseen. My veterinarians and I followed the guidelines outlined by the FEI, and the treatment still being present in the joint is an anomaly. There is nothing more paramount for me than the care and well-being of my horses. My team works diligently to follow competition guidelines, and we did so in this case. "