A horse named Hitman, paying tribute to the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton, has achieved a remarkable victory in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree. The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old horse secured a two-length win over Master Chewy, marking its first triumph in three years and since Hatton's untimely death.
The £45,560 prize money from the win will be donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation, a charity established by Hatton's family. Co-owner Ged Mason expressed his delight, stating, "Absolutely delighted that we can help in some ways in Ricky's memory and legacy. The family have set up the foundation and the proceeds kick it off today."
Ricky Hatton, a two-weight world champion boxer known as 'The Hitman', was found deceased at his Manchester home in September at the age of 46. Despite having an allergy to horses, Hatton's friends, including Mason and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, purchased the horse in 2021 due to its namesake.
Hatton's long-time manager and friend, Paul Speak, was present at Aintree to witness jockey Freddie Gingell ride Hitman to victory. Speak reflected on the win, saying, "Hopefully he's up there looking down and smiling at us." The emotional win serves as a fitting tribute to Hatton's legacy, with the horse's success bringing joy to those connected to the boxing legend.
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