Henley Women’s Regatta is back, including one of the most fiercely contested junior singles events on the calendar: the Di Ellis Trophy. From seasoned internationals to emerging talents, the 2025 field promises high-octane racing on the iconic Henley stretch. The regatta, established in 1988 to provide a competitive platform for women in the traditionally male-dominated world of rowing, has since grown into the leading event for junior and senior female athletes. The 1,500-metre course runs from Temple Island to the Remenham Club, with booms, stream, and a narrowing finish straight all ready to test speed and race craft.
Catherine Gardener – Hartpury University and College Boat Club
Catherine Gardener is undeniably the one to beat. Her recent silver medal at the Munich International Regatta and triumph at the April GB U19 trials solidify her dominance in the junior single sculling circuit. Gardener’s record speaks volumes- not least her adaptability; last season, she won the Aspirational Double Sculls at Henley Women’s Regatta in an older age category, proving she can not only race up but also win under pressure. Her second-place finish at the Junior World Rowing Championships in the quad last season adds another layer of international pedigree that few can match in this field. Though absent from the Championship single at the National Schools’ Regatta due to quad commitments, it’s not a stretch to say she would’ve been the clear favourite had she entered. I expect her to dominate from the time trial through to the finals this weekend.
Ella McDougall – Barn Elms Rowing Club
Ella McDougall comes into Henley Women’s Regatta with plenty to prove and the firepower to back it up. Her performance at the National Schools’ Regatta was bittersweet: she stormed to victory in the time trial by over ten seconds- a huge margin at this level- but didn’t finish the A-final due to a capsize in notoriously punishing conditions. That lapse, however, shouldn’t overshadow her consistent form. McDougall has collected wins at both the Metropolitan Regatta and Wallingford Regatta this season, as well as placing second at the Junior Sculling Regatta, all in a short time span, revealing exceptional stamina and mental grit. Moreover, with multiple medals from last season’s Junior 16 national events, McDougall’s trajectory as a top-tier racer is clear. She’ll be looking to right the wrongs of the National Schools’ Regatta with a statement performance here.
Scarlett Palmer – Chester Le Street
DiSE athlete Scarlett Palmer is the dark horse with the grit to disrupt the top order. Her fifth-place in the National Schools’ Regatta time trial may have gone under the radar, but her resounding four-second victory in the A-final shows she thrives in adversity. Palmer’s sculling must have been clean, composed, and relentless to deal with the threatening conditions. Her win at the Olympic Pathway Regatta in Nottingham and third-place finish at the February GB trials only strengthen her case. Palmer seems well-suited to Henley’s unique course, where composure and boom navigation are as vital as speed. We should definitely expect Palmer to be a significant presence in the later rounds.
Maisie Brittles – Warrington Rowing Club
Maisie Brittles is a textbook example of consistency under pressure. She placed third at the National Schools’ Regatta in both the time trial and the A-final, right behind the likes of McDougall, who won the time trial. Moreover, Brittles is no stranger to representing her country, having been selected last year as the sole junior women’s single sculler for the GB v France match- an honour that marks her out as a highly respected technician in the singles field. While she may not yet have the international medal haul of Gardener, her track record suggests she seems to be a steady force capable of surging through in close quarters.
Other Notable Mentions
Naomi Williams – Newark Rowing Club
A bronze medallist in the WJ18 single at the Scottish Championships, Naomi Williams has demonstrated significant growth this season. Her fourth-place finish in the B-final at the National Schools’ Regatta suggests she’s developing race maturity and resilience in harsh conditions. While a podium might be out of reach this time, she’s gaining crucial experience at the national level.
Elena Taylor – Derby Rowing Club
Ella Taylor’s 13th-place finish in both the time trial and final at the National Schools’ Regatta won’t put her in the top-seed conversation, but her strong showing at Brugge, coming fourth in the single and second in the quad, demonstrates race experience. A third-place finish at last year’s Junior Inter-Regional Regatta in the double proves she’s a competent small boat sculler with potential to move up the ranks.
Poppy Baines – Stratford Upon Avon Rowing Club
Poppy Baines arrives at Henley Women’s Regatta following a strong performance at Ball Cup South, claiming gold in both the J17 single and quad. Though this isn’t quite the same calibre as the National Schools’ Regatta or international regattas, it reflects her growing form and versatility. Henley Women’s Regatta will be a valuable test for her in a more competitive field.
Rachel Silvester – Gloucester Rowing Club
Rachel Silvester is an emerging sculler who is gaining valuable experience. While her 37th-place finish at the National Schools’ Regatta may not turn heads, her medalling performance at smaller heads like that of her home club, Gloucester, and her willingness to take on the Henley challenge show ambition and a desire to improve.
Final Predictions
With the Di Ellis Trophy stacked with talent across the board, this weekend at Henley Women’s Regatta promises thrilling racing and narrative-shaping performances. All eyes are on Gardener to maintain her international form, but McDougall, Palmer, and Brittles aren’t here to make up the numbers.
First – Catherine Gardener
Second – Ella McDougall
Third – Scarlett Palmer
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
