Using the venue as a handy warm-up for Tattersalls, the older horses enjoyed confidence-giving rounds, while those with younger performers were happy to give them a nice education over the pre-novice and intro courses.

This will have been pleasing news for hosts Gerald and Dominic Furnell, who last Saturday were making their EI debut as course designers. While largely following the existing tracks, the father-and-son duo added their own distinctive stamp, as did brother Patrick, whose artistic touches in both jumping phases were a feature throughout.