Copyright dailystar
A heartfelt tribute was paid to boxing legend Ricky Hatton at Aintree when ' Hitman ', a horse named in his honour, clinched victory at the historic racecourse . Hatton, whose death by hanging, aged 46 , at his Manchester home was confirmed at a public inquest in mid-September , has been remembered with an outpouring of tributes over the past six weeks. The latest homage came on Sunday afternoon at Aintree Racecourse when 'Hitman' triumphed in the 14:55 William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase. The win comes with a £45,560 prize fund, which will be donated in full to the Ricky Hatton Foundation . Ged Mason, co-owner of the nine-year-old gelding, and Hatton's manager Paul Speak were present to share their emotional reactions after the race. "I'm just lost for words. I said a prayer and he answered the prayer," Speak began, fighting back tears during an interview with ITV Racing. "I'm just speechless but I just said 'do what you [Hatton] can to help him' and he did." Despite finishing second in four of his last eight races, Hitman was unstoppable at Aintree, prompting fond words from Mason as well. Speaking to ITV Racing, Mason said: "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." He also praised Speak for looking after Hatton, saying: "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 spoke to Racing TV, with Speak heaping praise on Mason in another heartfelt tribute to Hatton. "This man is amazing," Speak said of Mason. "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. "I looked up and said 'you can do it', and he did," Speak added, clearly referring to 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. He has won an amazing amount of prize money coming second but today all guns were out."
