Casas Novas Contenders: Proven Performers at the European Championship Venue

The outdoor arenas in La Coruña have long tested the competitors at CSI4* and CSI5* level. Now, as the stakes rise, the stats tell us who’s already thriving here and who could be primed to deliver in championship conditions.

Clear Rate Kings: The Most Efficient at 160 Level

When it comes to jumping clear at 160 level outdoors in Casas Novas, European names dominate the top tier, a promising sign as the championship nears.

Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) stands tall with a 71% clear rate at 160 (5 clears from 7 rounds), one of the most efficient European riders at this venue in recent years. He will likely also be a strong contender for this year’s European Championship. His top mount Beauville Z N.O.P. is the current third-rated horse in the world and is already a triple medalist at major championships, picking up individual bronze at the Olympic Games of Tokyo and Paris, as well as at the World Championships in Herning. They may be on a mission to add some European colours to their impressive record.

Julien Epaillard (FRA) also features, with a 46% clear rate at 160 and two big wins in 2015. Known for his ability to turn speed into success, his record suggests he’s always a threat here.

Casas Novas Regulars

This group of riders has returned to compete on the outdoor arena in Casas Novas again and again, combining experience with performance at this venue. For many, it’s not just about a standout weekend, it’s about showing up year after year and delivering results across horses, courses, and conditions.

Spanish riders dominate this list, led by Sergio Álvarez Moya and Eduardo Álvarez Aznar, who top the table for most rounds jumped at this venue at 150 level or higher. With 39 and 34 rounds respectively, they’ve built long-term records here, each producing double-digit clear rounds.

Julio Arias Cueva stands out with both volume and efficiency. A total of 13 clears from 28 rounds gives him a 46% clear rate, one of the strongest on the list and a promising marker heading into a home championship.

Among the international regulars, Julien Epaillard (FRA) has logged 29 rounds with a clear rate of 38%, backed by two big wins in 2015. The reigning World Cup Champion will definitely be on the watchlist for the European Championships this summer. While the 2023 Individual Bronze European medalist will not return on his championship mount Dubai du Cedre, he will likely aim to compete at Casas Novas this year with his incredible Donatello d’Auge. With a World Cup Finals title in their back pocket and Julien’s vast experience at this venue, they could be one of the favourites for a European title.

These riders know the venue, the atmosphere, and the challenges and that kind of familiarity could be a major asset when medals are on the line.

Podium Pedigree: Riders Who’ve Won Here Before

Clear rounds are one thing, winning is another.

Bertram Allen (IRL) was dominant in 2023, winning boththe CSI5* Grand Prix as the Qualifier classes with Pacino Amiro. While Pacino Amiro is only just recovering from injury, Bertram’s up-and-coming Qonquest de Rigo has recently taken over as the top-rated nine-year-old in the world. While nine might seem young to be competing in a European Championship, Pacino Amiro was the same age when he represented Team Ireland at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Victor Bettendorf (LUX) could be a dark horse for 2025. He had a breakout year in 2023–2024 at Casas Novas, with two CSI4* and CSI5* wins across two horses. While he is no longer partnered with his record-breaking mare, Foxy de la Roque, Victor has proven time and time again to be able to rise to the occasion across different mounts.

What It All Means for 2025

As the European Championships approach, these numbers shine a spotlight on Europe’s most reliable outdoor performers at Casas Novas. Riders like Maikel van der Vleuten, Julien Epaillard, Bertram Allen, and Spain’s own Julio Arias Cueva might just be one step ahead of their competitors when it comes to success in La Coruna.