Constitution Hill looks special but it won't be easy to take the crown - Johnson

Champion Hurdle winner Richard Johnson would side with Constitution Hill over Honeysuckle but says Nicky Henderson's new star needs to match her achievements and longevity to be considered a great.

Johnson, who rode Rooster Booster to success in the Champion Hurdle in 2003, was blown away by the performance of Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on Saturday.

The 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante was left 12 lengths behind by her stablemate, who is now a general 8-13 to win at Cheltenham on March 14.

"He was very impressive," said Johnson. "With Cheltenham last season, while no-one thought it was a fluke in the Supreme, it was so impressive that we were all waiting for him to run again so we could see if it happened again.

"He's so professional and straightforward. He jumped really well and travelled at Newcastle, he did everything right, and from three out to two out he put really good horses firmly in their place.

"You've got to be very impressed, and for Nicky it must be a sigh of relief that he managed to get his first run in and it was at that sort of level."

At Cheltenham Constitution Hill will be aiming to dethrone dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle, who is unbeaten in 16 starts and will return in Sunday's Hatton's Grace Hurdle.

Johnson believes the value of that long-standing perfect record should not be underestimated but, despite his admiration for Henry de Bromhead's mare, the retired four-time champion jockey's vote would go to the challenger.

He said: "For me, if I was going to pick one of the two right now, I would side with Constitution Hill. He looks special.

"We mustn't forget how good Honeysuckle is. To be unbeaten in your career with two Champion Hurdles, that shows her quality and there's no way in the world this will be easy for Constitution Hill.

"I absolutely adore Honeysuckle. I think she's been incredible and, for connections to have a mare with such a record, it's hard to go against her."

Some spoke of comparisons with the likes of Istabraq after Constitution Hill's Newcastle romp but, for Johnson, there is a fair way to go before the rising star is deserving of that.

Honeysuckle after winning her second Champion HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He needs to do what Honeysuckle has done," said Johnson. "He needs to be around for a few years. It's not just about breathtaking performances, it's about longevity as well.

"That's what set the greats apart. It's coming back year after year and winning when you're perhaps not on top form. That's what the likes of Honeysuckle and Istabraq have done.

"He looks an amazing talent and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about him over the next few years, but he's still got that to achieve."

Jumps fans were treated to a ding-dong clash between Shishkin and Energumene in last season's Clarence House Chase but their rematch in the Champion Chase ultimately fell flat, and Johnson is hoping the same does not happen with Constitution Hill and Honeysuckle.

He said: "I think we're all hoping that, come March, they both turn up in good form so there are no excuses, and we see a really good performance and a great race."

Read more:

'It was staggering' - Henderson blown away by Constitution Hill performance

Super eight: how Constitution Hill ranks against the best two-mile hurdlers

'This is a bit of a freak' - Constitution Hill blows away Fighting Fifth rivals

McCoy: 'Constitution Hill was brilliant but has a bit to go to be the best ever'

'A racing machine' - Constitution Hill stars on one of Newcastle's greatest days

Three experts on whether Constitution Hill is the best hurdler they have seen

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