HORR 2024
On Saturday, the head racing season came to a close on the Tideway with the Head of the River Race held between Mortlake and Putney. Brookes boated eight VIIIs for the second time in a row.
With no international athletes racing at this years race, it allowed some new names to start in pole position on a day when the conditions were ideal for a very fast run down the track. Brookes had a good row on the day with the margin between the top two having barely changed through Hammersmith. In the last 2km, the Leander crew containing 7 of the guys who raced for GB at the Netz Cup in the summer managed to come through to win the Head for the first time since 2015. Congratulations to the crew from Leander on the Headship and new course record.
Brookes still had 7 eights to cross the finish line, with some brilliant results to come. Brookes B finished in 3rd place maintaining their finish position from the previous year. Brookes C came in 6th place and won the University pennant by 17 seconds, making it the 7th occasion Brookes won the Bernard Churchill Trophy. Brookes D also had a great result coming in 8th place, making it the third time any club’s 4th VIII has come in the Top 10 since WWII and the second time for Brookes. A great set of results for the club making up 50% of the top 8 crews at this year’s event.
The Brookes E raced for time only but finished in 17:10.9 which would have put them in 12th position. Brookes F came in 20th position, Brookes G in 32nd and Brookes H in 38th.
A day which highlighted the strength and depth that has been built at Brookes over the last few years. We now look towards preparations for GB Trials and BUCS Regatta.
Photos Courtesy of Allmarkone