A heartfelt tribute was paid to Ricky Hatton at Aintree as ‘Hitman’, a horse named in honor of the boxing icon, clinched a victory at the prestigious racecourse. It was revealed at a public inquest that Hatton was tragically discovered deceased at his residence in Manchester in mid-September.

Over the past six weeks, numerous tributes have been pouring in, with the latest one occurring on a Sunday afternoon at Aintree Racecourse when ‘Hitman’ triumphed in the 14:55 William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase, boasting a prize fund of £45,560, all of which will be donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation.

Ged Mason, the co-owner of the nine-year-old gelding, and Hatton’s manager Paul Speak expressed their emotional reactions following the race. Speak, visibly moved, remarked, “I’m at a loss for words. I prayed, and my prayer was answered.” Mason also shared his sentiments, stating, “Hitman has often been the runner-up, but today he excelled in honor of Ricky and his foundation.”

In an interview with ITV Racing, Mason praised Speak for his care of Hatton, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when facing challenges, a message echoing Hatton’s legacy. Speak, acknowledging Mason’s compassion, commended his dedication to preserving Hatton’s memory through the foundation.

Reflecting on the race, Mason expressed gratitude to everyone involved, highlighting the exceptional performance of ‘Hitman’ in securing the victory. The day’s success was a testament to the collective effort and dedication put forth by the team.

The partnership between Mason, Speak, and the entire team not only celebrated the triumph at Aintree but also served as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting one another in times of need, aligning with the values upheld by the Ricky Hatton Foundation.