Head of the River Race 2025 – The Vernon Trophy Preview

The Head of the River Race, the epic climax of the British Head season, graces us this weekend as hundreds of Britain’s strongest and most dynamic men’s eights take on the mighty River Thames. It has been a key race for determining the best men’s eights in the UK and beyond, attracting top-tier athletes and up-and-coming rowers who dream of one day competing at the highest levels. Across the 6.8km course, from Mortlake to Putney, along London’s iconic stretch of river, Britain’s finest men’s eights will battle it out for the glory and bragging rights at this, one of the world’s most prestigious and famous races. 

This preview will focus on the fight for the Vernon Trophy, the prestigious award given to the fastest Tideway-based crew in the race. With big, famous and immensely important clubs like Thames, London and Vesta Rowing Clubs competing for this win, the competition is always intense.

Thames Rowing Club

Thames Rowing Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious rowing clubs in the United Kingdom. Located on the River Thames in London, the club has a rich history and a strong tradition of success in rowing, both domestically and internationally. Thames Rowing Club has been a central part of the rowing community for over 160 years, and with numerous entries this year, most notably their ‘A’ and ‘B’ crews starting 4^th and 12^threspectively, they’ll be keen to keep the good times rolling this year. 

To name the club’s recent successes, they secured the Bousted and Rayner Cups early in 2025, following a series of closely contested races against London RC. At Quintin Head last year, the men’s first eight won over St. Paul’s School in yet another tightly contested race. Lastly, in the Britannia Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta last year, they became the first club to win the event three years in a row – as well as contesting the Thames Challenge Cup strongly yet again. This men’s squad is certainly not one to dismiss. 

Under the careful tutelage of Head Coach Sander Smulders, supported by Jack Stoddart, Thames has jumped from one success to another, and thanks to their incredible facilities and training programme, Thames RC are well positioned to keep on achieving. Having won the Thames Cup at Henley 2024, beating out a strong crew from the Netherlands, and the Vernon Trophy at last year’s Head, they’ll be seeking to retain it once more and improve upon their ‘A’ crew’s stellar time of 16:47.9, whilst also seeking to upgrade their other tiered crews’ finishing positions. With the addition of the likes of Sam Rothschild of Dartmouth, Max Campbell Reid, formerly of Hinksey’s epic junior men’s quad, and the recently GB-tried pair of Deering and Burke, to the ‘A’ crew, this boat will be one to watch this weekend, with the potential to win the whole thing.

London Rowing Club 

Founded in 1856, London Rowing Club has a long-standing history, being one of the oldest rowing clubs on the River Thames. The club was initially established to cater to the rowing needs of men living in central London. Over time, it grew into a highly respected institution, developing into a club that has produced numerous champions in both national and international competitions. The club is known for having a competitive atmosphere that fosters excellence and prepares athletes for the highest levels of competition. London Rowing Club has had a successful few years, particularly with its men’s eight. In 2024, the club won the Boustead Cup and placed highly in various national events, including the Head of the River Race where last year their crews nearly placed all in the top 100, and their ‘A’ crew coming in a strong 7^th. They are consistently competitive at major regattas, including Henley, where their crews have advanced to the latter rounds in recent years.

Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Stuart Heap, supported by Killian O’Shea and Richard Phillips, the long-established winning formula of London RC has continued to thrive. As second place in last year’s Vernon and 7^th place overall, LRC will be bringing their A-game to the Thames next weekend to ensure they clinch what they so nearly won last year – only missing out to Thames RC in the Vernon by 11 seconds over the 4.5 miles. 

With their ‘A’ crew featuring the likes of double U23 champion Sam Meijer, 2024 Home International England Representative in the coxless four, Calum Jenkins and the consistent player from Canada, Julian Black being rounded off by the immense coxswain Rosie Margolis, this London RC crew will be bringing the heat to the tideway and the Vernon next weekend. They will no doubt want the win, after coming agonisingly close last year, and all they need is to conquer their rivals from Thames RC and Vesta – they’re certainly up to the challenge.

Vesta Rowing Club

Vesta Rowing Club has a longstanding legacy, both at Head of the River, and in British rowing. The club was established to promote rowing as a sport and provide a competitive and social outlet for rowing enthusiasts in the London area. The club has since grown in stature and reputation, establishing itself as one of the key rowing institutions on the Thames. With excellent facilities, a tradition of success, and a commitment to producing top-level rowers, Vesta continues to be a competitive force at both the national and international levels.

With esteemed Head Coach James Cracknell, Vesta will face this year’s HORR campaign with him at the helm. The men will be performing as a reformed squad under his tutelage, keen to demonstrate what they can offer in this always-crowded event. 

The success of this Vesta crew is far-reaching, from their consistency on the Thames, to being one of the most successful clubs at the world-famous Head of the Charles. They will also want to improve upon their 28^th place finish they pulled off last year at the Head of the River, improving their time of 17:30.2. Yet, this crew must be on top-form next weekend to match the intensity of their rivals at Thames RC and London RC, nothing they are incapable of with the likes of Alex Nash, Thomas Thorpe, and Francis Treherne Pollock along with accomplished coxswain Branwen Phillips. 

Vesta undoubtedly has the odds stacked against them, but with their new coach and a new approach to this mighty river, they are in the running for the coveted Vernon this year.

Predictions

In this fantastically packed competition, the very best of the tideway is on display. When push comes to shove, in this cutthroat sport we love, there must be a winner. I predict that for the Vernon Trophy, London Rowing Club ‘A’ will reclaim their title, closely followed by Thames Rowing Club ‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively. No matter the conditions, no matter the odds on the day, this race will be epic, and I wish all crews the best.

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Dom McGrory

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