With racing due to start in a few hours, I thought I would have a look at Wednesday’s races and pick out any that I think will be extra special.

Race 1 9:00 Thames Cup- Wairau Rowing Club New Zealand v Kingston Rowing Club ‘B’

The first race out of the blocks should be really interesting. Wairau are my picks to win the Thames Cup and this will be an opportunity to see what sort of speed they have. Kingston’s ‘A’ crew will be watching with particular interest as they are one of the favourites and will be looking to judge the Kiwis speed against their crewmates.

Race 6 9:30 Thames Cup- Upper Thames Rowing Club ‘A’ v City of Bristol Rowing Club

A classic Thames Cup race between two solid club crews. This is the type of race that Day 1 of Henley is all about.

Race 10 09:50 Fawley Cup- St Peter’s New Zealand v St Paul’s

Always good to watch crews from the other side of the world race for the first time on the Henley course….and it’s Peter v Paul!

Race 13 10:10 Princess Elizabeth- Scotch College, Australia v Bedford School

The first opportunity to see one of the favourites for the PE race – Scotch are unbeaten domestically and the rest of the PE field will be eyeing them closely.

Race 16 10:30 Temple Cup – Newcastle University ‘A’ v Imperial College ‘A’

This could be the race of the morning session. Imperial are the Selected crew, but there was little to choose between these two crews at BUCS and Marlow. At BUCS Newcastle finished 1 place ahead of IC, but at Marlow IC reversed that and finished 2 places ahead of Newcastle. This could be a real barn-burner.

Race 21 11:00 Temple Cup – Nottingham University v University of Michigan, USA

Another classic Temple encounter – Michigan were 9that Dad Vails and Nottingham B-Final winners of University 8’s at Marlow. Should be two fairly evenly matched boats.

Race 34 12:15 Temple Cup – Oxford Brookes University ‘B’ v Newcastle University ‘B’

The battle of the “B” crews – both raced in Tier 2 8’s at Marlow and Intermediate 8’s at BUCS with Brookes coming out on top in both.

Race 40 2:20 Princess Elizabeth – Shrewsbury School v Abingdon School

Two former winners and both shadows of their former selves. Shrewsbury had a better result at National Schools than Abingdon.

Race 41 2:30 Prince Albert – Exeter University v University of Pennsylvania

The Penn Lightweights against a strong crew from Exeter, could be a tough race for the Selected Americans.

Race 42 2:40 Wyfold – London Rowing Club v Aramoho Whanganui, New Zealand

The first ever race at Henley for the Aramoho club, and it will be tough against London, especially coming past Remenham Club.

Race 50 3:20 Prince Albert – University of London v Boston University, USA

Possibly the race of the session, UL are BUCS bronze medallists and Boston were Petite finalists in the 2V division at BUCS. Despite being the Selected crew, this could be a really tough race for the Americans.

Race 60 4:20. Prince Albert – University of St Andrew’s v Imperial College London

Imperial are the holders and have been Selected, but St Andrew’s were the fastest Scottish crew at BUCS Regatta and had a stronger result at Marlow. The holders could be going out on day 1.

Race 61 5:30 Princess Elizabeth – St George’s College v Flatow-Oberschule, Germany

A chance to see the winners of the German “Federal Competition of Youth” race at Henley (which was their prize for winning).

Race 64 5:45 Diamond Jubilee – Latymer Upper School ‘B’ v Kinross Wolaroi School, Australia

An opportunity to see what sort of speed the Australian National Champions have brought to Henley

Race 76 6:45 Prince Albert – Harvard University, USA v Cornell University, USA

The only all-American race of day 1 and potentially it’s the race of the day. The Harvard 2ndVarsity heavyweights against the National champion Lightweights from Cornell. Opportunities for the lightweights to race the heavyweights are one of the things that makes Henley special.

Race 80 7:20 Thames Cup – Tyne Rowing Club ‘A’ v Thames Rowing Club ‘A’

Another classic Thames Cup encounter. The Tynesiders were winners of the Jackson Trophy at the Head of the River, and Thames are the defending champions.

Race 83 7:40 Prince Albert – United States Naval Academy, USA v Bath University

The US Navy may well be the Selected crew but they will have their work cut out against a strong Bath crew. Navy won Tier 2 fours at Marlow, whilst Bath were 2ndin the B-Final of the Championship coxed 4’s division. This could be a great race and well worth hanging around for.

Right….bring on the racing.