“He did that for Ricky” – Hitman scores emotional success in Grade Two William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase

The new Jump season stepped up a gear at Aintree Racecourse this afternoon with the staging of the Grade Two William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase.

Victory went to Hitman (Paul Nicholls/Freddie Gingell, 9-1) who was running in the two-and-a-half-mile contest for the fourth year in succession. Hitman had previously finished second in 2022 and 2024, and unplaced in 2023. Partnered by Freddie Gingell, the nine-year-old travelled well throughout and having taken the lead two fences from home, he ran on well for a two-length success over Master Chewy with another length and a half back to last year’s winner Minella Drama in third.

Owned in a partnership which includes former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Hitman races in the famous silks of Ged Mason. Mason has stated that any money earned by Hitman this season will be donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation. The foundation aims to tackle the challenges caused by mental health and to tackle the stigma around it. It was set up following the passing of the two-time world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, who was nicknamed “The Hitman”, last month at the age of 46.

Thanks to Hitman’ success today, the Ricky Hatton Foundation will receive the winning owner’s prize money of £34,864.

Ged Mason explained: “From early in his career I sponsored Ricky and when I saw this horse had won in France, the agent contacted Paul Nicholls. With Hitman being the name, we bought the horse. Hitman has been the bridesmaid a few times but has come good today. He always tries and is always up there and thanks must go to George who rides him out every day and all of Paul Nicholls’ team at Ditcheat.

“He did that for Ricky up there. Ricky was a top, top man who helped so many people. Do speak out if you have got problems – that is what his message would be today.”

On his prize money donation to the Ricky Hatton Foundation, Mason added: “I am absolutely delighted that we can help Ricky’s memory and legacy in some way. The family have set up the foundation and all of Hitman’s proceeds go to it, kicking off today. He has won an amazing amount of prize money for finishing second but today all guns were out.

“Hopefully Ricky is looking down and smiling at us. As we have said, nobody needs to fight alone – there are a lot of people with problems, and you’ve just got to share your problems with other people. Hopefully the foundation will be a vehicle for people to do that.”

Paul Speak, who was Hatton’s long-time manager and friend, added: “This man (Ged Mason) is amazing. You are not going to find a more compassionate and generous man than this man. I can’t thank him enough and he is an unsung hero.

“I am just speechless. I said a prayer, and it was answered.”

All Photo Credits: Grossick Photography/The Jockey Club