Keenan, 29, stopped the jump-off clock at a blistering 40.56 seconds, securing her second international win of the season. The victory was particularly poignant for Keenan, who has competed in Wellington since the age of seven and now considers the venue her primary base.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam took second place aboard the promising nine-year-old gelding Rural Juror SCF (Presley boy x For pleasure), while Australia’s Thaisa Erwin rounded out the podium in third with the 14-year-old mare Hialita B (Emerald Van 't Ruytershof x Vaillant).

The win marks a milestone in the eight-year partnership between Keenan and the 16-year-old Fasther. Though they are now a dominant force, Keenan was candid about their early struggles.

"He was the first horse that McLain Ward selected for me, so he represents how important that mentorship has been," Keenan shared. "When I first got him, we struggled a lot. I remember a similar rollback in an early jump-off where I actually fell off and 'pancaked' the stands. I thought about that right before I went in today."

Keenan now refers to Fasther as her "heart horse," attributing their success to the trust built over nearly a decade. "I think it’s a testament to growing with a horse. He turns himself inside out for me. You can’t replace time; that experience is a huge advantage."

Maintaining the Momentum

Coming off a strong 2025, Keenan is focused on capitalizing on her current string of horses, which ranges from seasoned veterans to emerging talent.

"I’ve worked for years to build this string," she noted. "We don't really have an off-season, and I wanted to make the most of this moment. I feel like this is my time, and I have to go all in."

result