The man who found Ricky Hatton dead says his friend ‘answered his prayers’ as the horse named after The Hitman won his first race since the boxer’s tragic passing.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Hitman stormed to victory in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree, winning a race for the first time in three years.

Co-owner Ged Mason and Paul Speak, who found Hatton dead at his home in Manchester, were at Aintree to watch Freddie Gingell ride 9/1 shot Hitman to an impressive victory.

Speaking after the race, Mason said the £45,560 prize money would be donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation.

Approaching a clearly emotional Speak, ITV Racing commentator Luke Harvey said: ‘Paul, I can see how emotional you are.

‘I’ve said it before, horses seem to know the right time to win. This horse likes finishing se

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