Henley Royal Race Report

Henley Qualifiers ‘25

PTRC Senior Men’s squad took 13 athletes to Henley Qualifiers this year - the largest contingent for many years - with the hope of landing a coveted spot at rowing’s most prestigious regatta. 

Thames Challenge Cup:

13 years since the previous Putney Town crew to row in the Thames - 2025 provided possibly the best chance to qualify in the club’s recent history. After extremely positive results throughout the Head Season, and then at both the Metropolitan and Marlow regattas where the squad had beaten a lot of direct competition, there was a great deal of excitement within PTRC’s top entry for this year’s Henley Royal. 

Raceday brought with it a delightfully strong headwind alongside considerable nerves for the crew - for many it was the first time down the famous track. A strong row with an especially strong finish left the boys in hopeful spirits that they had done enough. Unfortunately the margins were super close and the crew finished just 1 second behind the fastest non-qualifier. Ultimately, it was a valiant effort and one which the squad will aim to rectify in 2026. 

Wyfold Challenge Cup:

PTRC’s second entry for HRR ‘25 was in the Wyfold, and with a bumper entry of 67, it promised to be an especially difficult task.

Following a positive row at Marlow regatta, and with multiple sessions on the Henley course under their belts - the crew of Lewis, Josh, Samson and Hon gave it their all down the qualifiers course. 

Unfortunately it was not to be - the standard in this year’s event left a raft of top quality crews unable to qualify. This was a great experience for the 4 and one to build on for the upcoming season. 

2025 has been a great season for PTRC SM: with multiple major head wins, the highest HORR placing for 60 years and the closest margin to Henley Qualification since 2018.