Double Great Race victory for Waikato crews

The University of Waikato men’s and women’s rowing eight crews took out both races in the Gallagher Great Race held on the Waikato River yesterday.

On a gruelling 3.85km upstream course, both races lived up to their expectation of being one of the feistiest rowing battles in the Waikato region.

The Waikato men’s crew got off to a great start with defending champions Cambridge University having to restart after a collision with Waikato left them with a broken rudder.

From then on the Waikato men’s crew cruised to victory with a convincing win over Cambridge and Melbourne universities, to bring home the coveted Harry Mahon Trophy.

Meanwhile, the Waikato women’s crew dominated their race against Melbourne and Sydney universities to remain the holders of the Bryan Gould Cup.

Despite the rain, hundreds of people lined the city’s riverbanks to cheer on the Waikato crews as well as crews taking part in the corporate and secondary school races.

This year marked 10 years of the Gallagher Great Race. Held annually, the Gallagher Great Race is an internationally recognised rowing event, attracting world-class crews from England, Australia and the United States.

Photo Album

Gallgaher Great Race 2011
The University of Waikato men's and women's rowing eight crews were too strong for their rivals as they competed in the 2011 Gallagher Great Race. Now in its 10th year, hundreds gathered on the banks of the Waikato River to watch as Waikato took on rowing crews from Cambridge, Melbourne and Sydney universities.
13th September 2011