THE Casas Novas Equestrian Centre in A Coruña, in the north western region of Spain delivered in spades as host venue for last week’s Longines FEI European Championships.

Perhaps it was a first that they were no complaints (that I heard) from anyone across the board – riders, grooms, vets, team managers, media, etc – about the working facilities, footing, stables; even the shuttle buses ran like clockwork. The week was pretty thrilling all round.