Richard Johnson Johnson salutes Sir AP McCoy

Richard Johnson has hailed Sir Tony McCoy's knighthood as "a fitting tribute to a perfect career".

Johnson finished runner-up 16 of the 20 times McCoy was crowned champion but is ideally placed to claim his maiden title with a big lead of winners heading into the new year.

"It's a fantastic achievement and a fitting tribute to a perfect career," said Johnson.

"He's been a great ambassador for our sport and after what he's achieved in the last 20 years, I think it's much deserved.

"To dominate any sport like he has done for 20 years is amazing, especially in racing when injuries come and go quite frequently."

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust also paid tribute to the Ulsterman, saying: "We've been fortunate to have AP McCoy dominate jumps racing for such a length of time and his knighthood is well deserved and long awaited.

"His character embodies all the qualities that make jumping so exhilarating - determination, strength, desire, will to win - and he has been a marvellous ambassador for the sport.

"We may never see his like again."

McCoy rode over 1,000 winners for the now-retired Martin Pipe and the current trainer at Pond House, David Pipe, feels a knighthood is just reward.

He said: "It's great news and I think it's very much deserved.

"He's been a great ambassador for the sport and is a genuinely great guy as well.

"You can never say never, but I'm not sure his records will ever be broken."