Willie Mullins duo Impaire Et Passe and State Man prepare for fascinating festive showdown as both make their claims to be Constitution Hill's biggest rival in the Champions Hurdle

Impaire Et Passe is on course for a showdown with stablemate State Man at Christmas that will determine who is Constitution Hill’s biggest threat in the Champions Hurdle.

Impaire Et Passe would normally be considered an outstanding chance at Cheltenham in March.

But a defeat on his reappearance in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse two weeks ago rather punctured the feeling around him and many now see State Man, whom Willie Mullins also trains, as the most credible challenger to Constitution Hill; Nicky Henderson’s star will reappear in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The most fascinating clash of the festive period over the smallest obstacles, however, will come at Leopardstown three days later.

Mullins is happy for both State Man, who started his season by winning the Morgianna Hurdle at Punchestown in November, and Impaire Et Passe go head to head in the Grade One contest.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager to Impaire Et Passe’s owners Issac Souede and Simon Munir, said: ‘He’s come out of his last race well and the plan is to run at Christmas. 

'He won’t be taking on Constitution Hill, I can tell you that! It’s most likely he’ll go to the Matheson Hurdle.’