Touching Ricky Hatton tribute after Hitman horse | Boxing News

A heartfelt tribute has been paid to Ricky Hatton at Aintree as ‘Hitman’, a racehorse named after the boxing legend, claimed victory at the celebrated course. As was provisionally confirmed at a public inquest, Hatton was found hanged at his Manchester residence in mid-September.

Tributes have flooded in over the past six weeks with the most current arriving on Sunday afternoon at Aintree Racecourse when ‘Hitman’ triumphed in the 14:55 William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase. The victory comes with a £45,560 prize fund and your complete sum can be donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation.

Co-owner of the nine-year previous gelding Ged Mason and Hatton’s supervisor Paul Speak have been current to ship deeply emotional reactions following the race. “I’m just lost for words. I said a prayer and he answered the prayer,” Speak started while combating back tears in an interview with ITV Racing.

“I’m just speechless but I just said ‘do what you [Hatton] can to help him’ and he did.” In 4 of his earlier eight races, Hitman had come second, but nothing may halt him at Aintree, with Mason also talking warmly.

Mason told ITV Racing: “He has been the bridesmaid so many times, as you know. He always tries and he is always up there. He did that for Ricky up there and his foundation. What a great little contribution. This fella [Speak] for looking after Ricky. He was a top man and helped so many people. Do speak out if you’ve got problems, that would be his message today.” 

Speak and Mason also shared heartfelt phrases about Hatton in a touching tribute during an interview with Racing TV. Speak lauded Mason, saying: “This man is amazing and I’ve told him many, many times. You’re not going to find a more compassionate or generous man.”

Mason responded: “Absolutely delighted that we can help Ricky’s memory and legacy through the foundation. So proceeds go to there. He’s been bright a few times, Hitman, and he’s come good today.” Speak, referencing Hatton, added: “I looked up and said ‘you can do it’, and he did. Hopefully he is up there, looking down and smiling, but as we say nobody needs to fight alone.”

He continued: “You’ve just got to share your problems with other people and hopefully with the foundation that is a vehicle for people to do that. I can’t thank Ged enough, he is an unsung hero.” Mason concluded: “Thanks to everyone at the stables, Freddie [Gingell] who rode him and Ricky rode him as well. He has won an amazing amount of prize money coming second but today all guns were out.”