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A horse bought because he shared the nickname of Ricky Hatton has won his first race since the boxer’s death – and the £45,560 prize money will be donated to his charity set up in his memory.
Hitman, bought four years ago by Hatton's friend Ged Mason and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, won the William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Aintree on Sunday.
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old, who finished second in the race twice previously, was a 9-1 shot and finished strongly under jockey Freddie Gingell to triumph by two lengths.
Hatton, who became world champion at both welterweight and light welterweight in a storied career, tragically took his own life in September at the age of 46. The Ricky Hatton Foundation, a mental health charity, was set up by his family earlier this month with his son Campbell saying they were aiming to ‘carry on Ricky's spirit to help as many people as possible’.
Fans have been invited to support the new foundation by donating online - and Hitman's victory is a welcome boost.
‘He did that for Ricky and his foundation - what a great contribution,’ said Mason. ‘From early in his career I sponsored Ricky and he was a top, top man who helped so many people – do speak out if you've got problems. I'm absolutely delighted we can help in some way for Ricky's legacy.’
Hitman, piloted by jockey Freddie Gingell, en route to winning at Aintree on Sunday
Ricky Hatton's coffin is driven past fans at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Manchester City
The charity's missions include raising awareness of mental health challenges, removing the stigma around mental illness and offering support through talking therapies and community programmes.
Thousands of fans and friends – including Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney and cricketer Andrew Flintoff - lined the streets of his home city for Hatton’s funeral a fortnight ago, as his coffin was carried into Manchester Cathedral.
