WELL done Waterford City and County Council who adopted a motion at their meeting on Thursday supported by all councillors, to bestow the Freedom of Waterford City and County on Knockeen’s dynamo, Henry de Bromhead.

Two of Henry’s achievements as a trainer are among the most outstanding in the rich history of National Hunt racing. He is the only trainer to have won the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in the same year.

Just weeks later, he saddled the first two horses home in the Aintree Grand National.

The Irish Examiner reported de Bromhead’s reaction: “A great honour, not just for me personally but for all the staff, without whose dedication and hard work we wouldn’t have such success. It means a lot to be appreciated by our own people, who have been so wonderfully supportive over the years,” he said.

The date and time for the ceremony has yet to be confirmed.