Leander claim sixth consecutive Women’s Eights Head title
Competitors, volunteers and spectators enjoyed glorious sunshine and double-digit temperatures for the 85th Women’s Eights Head of the River Race, which happily coincided with International Women’s Day
Photo: Ben Rodford Photography
The excellent conditions were particularly welcome after the many weather-related cancellations and curtailments of recent years. A moderate headwind challenged the 310 competing crews off the start and more so after Hammersmith, keeping the course records safe.
The winning Leander Club A crew featured four 2024 Olympic medalists – Hannah Scott, Lauren Irwin, Eve Stewart, and Annie Campbell-Orde – along with Lauren Carey, Juliette Perry, Eleanor Brinkhoff, Philippa Emery and cox Jack Tottem.
A tight battle for second place eventually went to Thames RC A, who had been two seconds down on Cambridge University BC A at Hammersmith Bridge but turned the deficit round to finish 0.9 seconds faster. With Thames just 7.9 seconds behind Leander, less than nine seconds separated the top three crews.
Leander Club A (Photo: Ben Rodford Photography)
Alongside third place, Cambridge also reclaimed the University Pennant that they last held in 2018. The Club Pennant was won by Molesey BC A, also last held in 2018, who finished fourth.
Scottish club St Andrew BC A (59th) secured the Medium Club Pennant, having been serial winners of the Small Club Pennant from the time when they started to enter the race regularly. Derby RC (61st) were delighted to claim the Small Club Pennant after missing out last year due to being the only remaining Small Club in the reduced draw necessitated by strong stream and wind conditions.
London RC A (13th) were back on the podium again, after being the fastest Medium Club in 2024, this year claiming the Senior Pennant.
Another closely fought award was the Overseas Pennant, which turned into an Irish derby with University College Cork RC A (31st) taking the honours just under one second ahead of University College Dublin Ladies BC A (33rd).
Tideway Scullers School A (24th) had a clear margin of six seconds to win the School/Junior Pennant ahead of Headington School Oxford BC A (29th). In total there were five School/Junior crews in the top 50, slightly down from the last two races.
Challenge Academic was won by Bath University BC A (48th) with the main Challenge Pennant taken by Glasgow University BC A (49th). Edinburgh University BC C (117th) won Beginner Academic, repeating their win from 2023, with City of Cambridge RC C (153rd) taking the Beginner Pennant, for the second time in three years.
The Masters Pennant went to Upper Thames C, a Master’s D crew who placed 85th overall, and featured Henley Women’s Regatta Chairman at bow. The Masters field continues to grow with 41 entries – from age groups A to G – this year, a 20% increase on last year and representing nearly 13% of entries.
Prizes were presented in the sunshine at a Victory Ceremony on the Putney Embankment in front of Thames Rowing Club by 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Hattie Taylor, with Olympic and Paralympic Commentator Camilla Hadland-Horrocks compering the proceedings. In her second year as Race Chair, Jess Eddie said “On International Women’s Day, I can think of no better celebration than witnessing nearly 3,000 women displaying such power, determination and camaraderie on the Thames.”
Photos: Ben Rodford Photography
