Blake keen to land Wincanton race named after cricket hero Marcus Trescothick

Trainer Michael Blake is hoping for the ultimate in hero worship at Wincanton tomorrow – landing the race named in honour of his long-time idol, Marcus Trescothick.

A keen supporter of Somerset Cricket Club for whom Trescothick holds legendary status, Blake will be represented by low-weighted Excellent Team in the Tribute To Marcus Trescothick Handicap Hurdle.

Trescothick, one of the stars of England’s 2005 Ashes-winning team, played for Somerset County Cricket Club for 26 years until his retirement last month, and will be guest of honour at Wincanton.

Blake said: “I’m an avid Somerset supporter. I’ve been a member there for many years, and enjoyed watching the likes of Ian Botham, Joel Garner and Viv Richards. I’ve seen them all.

“Marcus Trescothick is an idol of mine – he’s been brilliant for Somerset – and, as soon as I saw this race, I said to myself, ‘who can I run in it?’

Sir Ian Botham: one of the famous Somerset cricketers watched by trainer Michael BlakeCredit: Handout

“Excellent Team would ideally like the ground a bit quicker, but he’s been working very well at home and I’m hopeful.”

Blake added: “My staff have long come to realise that if Somerset are playing they have to get up early so that I can get off sharply to get down there!

“I also watch plenty of away games, and went to Lord’s to see the final of the Royal London One-Day Cup in May.”

Excellent Team’s owner Jill Gould supports one of Somerset’s rivals, Hampshire, but she will no doubt be just as pleased to shake Trescothick’s hand in the winner’s enclosure.

“Jill is a big cricket fan too, but more Hampshire than Somerset,” Blake said. “I met Marcus on the last day of the season, had a quick chat with him, and shook him by the hand. It would be nice to do so again at Wincanton. I think he’d remember me!”

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