New racecourse trophy will honour blue bloods
A Hamilton family is set to be honoured by the town’s racecourse.
The Watson Baronetcy of Earnock will be given a place on the racing calendar at Hamilton Park, with a prestigious memorial trophy being awarded in their name.
Sir Julian Somerled Watson, the seventh Baronet of Earnock, was a shareholder and loyal supporter of the venue.
After his passing in May 2016, the Watson Baronetcy became extinct.
However, the team at Hamilton Park have been working closely with the Watson estate to ensure a lasting legacy.
Since it was founded in 1895, the Baronetcy contributed to the community.
Sir John Watson, the first Baronet of Earnock, owned several collieries in the area, including the Neilsland and Earnock ones on the Neilsland Estate, which covered over 2000 acres.
The family also gifted the Watson Fountain to the town of Hamilton. It still stands at the triangular merging of Cadzow Street and Muir Street.
Vivien Currie, chief executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be trusted with continuing the legacy of the Watson Baronetcy of Earnock.
“Sir Julian was a valued supporter of Hamilton Park and the baronetcy is an integral part of the local history.
“We will be proudly unveiling considerably the trophy at our Almada Raceday on Tuesday, July 2, and it will be a highlight of our racing calendar every year.”
Silversmiths Hamilton & Inches of Edinburgh are creating The Watson Memorial Cup, which will pay tribute to the Watson Baronetcy and Sir Julian’s love of racing through special handengravings.
In 2012, the racecourse also trusted the leading silversmiths with the creation of the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Trophy, inspired by the original ancient relic.
The Watson Memorial Cup will be presented annually to the winner of one of Hamilton Park’s richest races, the Almada Mile Handicap – a fitting tribute combining the local significance of both the race and the Watson family.