The Redgrave Challenge Vase for Championship Coxless Pairs. The name of this event speaks for itself, an ode to a rowing great and a trophy won by dozens of talented British oarswomen. 15 crews are entered for the 2025 edition. The event seems largely open, with few of these combinations yet to show form this year. As always, the booms and the shorter 1500 metre course will present unique challenges akin to Henley Women’s.
University of London: Aoife Casey and Jessie Martin
The crew from UL have to be favourites in this event and what a duo they could be. Irishwoman Casey is a double Olympian, competing in the lightweight double sculls at Tokyo and Paris, finishing fifth in the latter. A multi-international medal winner, she is now studying in the UK and has trained at UL all year. Casey joins British youngster Martin, one of the brightest U23 prospects in the country right now. World champion in the coxless four last summer at the U23 World Rowing Championships, she will be looking to add to these accolades later this year, but for now, it’s this project that will be the focus of all her attention. No stranger to the pair, having placed ninth at Final Trials in April, teaming up with Casey should be a boost for Martin. The class and pedigree of this pair will be hard to match, and could certainly be an exciting watch.
Upper Thames Rowing Club: Lucy Ryan and Fiona Gammond
This pairing is one of the in-form crews this season, winning at the Metropolitan Regatta. Part of a strong Upper Thames coxless four last season, Ryan and Gammond will now take on the Pairs event at Henley Women’s. Winning a tight race at the Metropolitan Regatta showed their ability to withstand pressure and deliver results. No one will know the booms better than these two on their home course, which could play to their advantage.
Twickenham/Oxford Brookes: Geidre Rakauskaite and Frankie Allen
It is a huge positive to see Paralympic Champions Rakauskaite and Allen racing at Henley Women’s. The continued lack of opportunities for Paralympic rowers in this country is disheartening, and it is no wonder the British Rowing team is continuing a recruitment drive for their Para squad; the next generation of Paralympic rowers needs to be identified. The lack of entries in the female PR3 four at World Rowing Cup I means Rakauskaite and Allen have turned to Henley Women’s to provide them with a racing opportunity. It should inspire all to see them competing this weekend and bring more visibility to Paralympic rowing. Competing against the best domestic rowers should provide great racing for this pairing.
Kölner Ruderverein von 1877: Pia Otto and Eva Hohoff
German pair Pia Otto and Eva Hohoff travel to Henley this year as one of the vast international contingent this regatta continues to attract. This combination are already somewhat established, having raced as a double previously. Now, with one oar each, they impressed at Ghent International Regatta in May, placing second overall. Of course, racing between the booms is a different challenge, but experience and time together will help.
Leander Club: Issy Sellers and Olivia Caesar
Sellers and Caesar from Leander Club are an interesting lineup. With a tendency to not confirm crews until the last minute, it will remain to be seen on Saturday morning if Leander races this crew. Whilst they have not yet raced together in the small boat, these two talented and experienced individuals have been the stern pair of Leander’s second eight this season. Sellers and Caesar will know each other well and, having just returned from training camp, will be fit and race-ready.
St Andrew Boat Club: Maia Hely and Anna Fisher
The crew from St Andrew Boat Club, Edinburgh could be underdogs in this event. Scottish Champions two weeks ago, Hely and Fisher will arrive in Henley with plenty of confidence. Their dominant display at Strathclyde, winning the final by five seconds, follows their silver medal in 2024. They topped last season with a win at the Home International and will hope to continue their stellar form this week.
Prediction
It’s hard to look past Casey and Martin as winners this weekend. This crew will surely go all the way and show their pedigree until the final stroke. Who they meet in the final is the biggest question. It would be exciting to see the Scottish pairing of Hely and Fisher make it to this point as they continue to show what they can do. Henley Women’s always produces special moments and surprises; expect this weekend to be no different.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
