GAVIN Cromwell capped a brilliant year by winning the National Hunt Achievement Award. The progressive Meath trainer won a category that included Jamie Codd, Tony Martin and Davy Russell.

He said: “It’s bittersweet because this award is largely down to Espoir D’Allen and he’s not around anymore but let’s concentrate on the sweet part,” Cromwell said. “It was an amazing effort from a five-year-old to win a Champion Hurdle and I am so thankful to J.P. and Noreen (McManus) for sending him to me. It was a huge effort from everyone at home.”