Hatton all smiles at Haydock
Ricky Hatton was the star attraction on a sun-kissed afternoon at Haydock as the boxer presented the trophy for the race named in his honour.
Hatton may have lost his unbeaten record to ’Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas but he has not lost his place in the hearts of the British sporting public.
And certainly not in the north west, where the ’Hitman’ was born and bred.
The former champion was enjoying a day out with his family before he embarks on a 12-week intensive training schedule ahead of his fight against Paul Malignaggi in November.
“I’ve always enjoyed a day out at the races and enjoy having a bit of a flutter,” said Hatton.
“Basically I’m trying to enjoy myself as much as I can before I head off to the training camp. I call that the monastery!
“I got beat by the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I may not have that title but on days like this they (the crowd) make me feel like the people’s champion.”
He presented the trophy for the Ricky Hatton Handicap to Nick Hughes, owner of 11-2 chance Supermassive Muse, trained by Ed McMahon and ridden by Stephen Donohoe.
Hughes was surrounded by a group of friends who celebrated as if they had won the Derby, Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup rolled into one.
To meet Hatton into the bargain was the icing on the cake.
“He (Hughes) is a local man, he’s from Chester and always wants to run there,” said McMahon.
“The ground came right for the horse today as he likes to get his toe in.”
