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A touching tribute has been paid to Ricky Hatton at Aintree as 'Hitman', a horse named after the Boxing legend, secured victory at the historic racecourse. As was provisionally confirmed at a public inquest, Hatton was found hanged at his Manchester home in mid-September. Tributes have poured in over the last six weeks with the latest of those arriving on Sunday afternoon at Aintree Racecourse when 'Hitman' won the 14:55 William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase. The victory comes with a £45,560 prize fund and the full amount will be going to the Ricky Hatton Foundation. Co-owner of the nine-year old gelding Ged Mason and Hatton's manager Paul Speak were on hand to deliver very emotional verdicts after the race. "I'm just lost for words. I said a prayer and he answered the prayer," Speak began while holding back tears in an interview to ITV Racing. "I'm just speechless but I just said 'do what you [Hatton] can to help him' and he did." In four of his last eight races, Hitman had finished second, but there was no stopping him at Aintree, with Mason also speaking fondly. 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." The duo also spoke to Racing TV seemingly after emotions were less raw with Speak full of praise for Mason in another touching tribute to Hatton. "This man is amazing," Speak said of Mason in another interview. "I've told him many, many times. You're not going to find a more compassionate or generous man." Mason added: "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." "I looked up and said 'you can do it', and he did," Speak said, clearly referencing Hatton. "Hopefully he is up there, looking down and smiling but as we say nobody needs to fight alone. "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." "Thanks to everyone at the stables, Freddie (Gingell) who rode him and Ricky rode him as well," Mason admitted. "He has won an amazing amount of prize money coming second but today all guns were out."
