Rachel Bradley’s story to Henley Royal Regatta 2026 follows on from a very successful rowing career Coleraine G.S. (Rowing Ireland selection for the Junior Worlds) and continued at Newcastle University (including GB U23 Worlds selection). Whilst at Newcastle Rachel had several runs down the Henley course, famously claiming the accolade of the race of the regatta against Oxford Brookes (Island Trophy, student VIII+, semi-final) where the lead changed hands twice, to win by 1 foot. But a red box eluded her.

This year, Rachel has moved to Thames Rowing Club, arguably the leading London club. As a Selected crew, their first round against London ‘B’ was decided early and turned into a relaxed row over the course. The Thursday quarter final would be tougher – against the Selected Avon R.C. from New Zealand. But Thames finished a comfortable couple of lengths up.

Friday was again a rest day for this category – a chance for the parents and followers to dress down and enjoy the upper end of the course, where HRR formality gives way to a more fairground/BBQ atmosphere.

Saturday’s semi against Leander was nerve wracking even before it got underway as Leander had equipment problems on the way to the start and the race had to be postponed to the lunch interval. The delay didn’t put Thames off, nor did the fly past of the Dakota and Thames ‘A’ were able to hold a clear water lead to the finish despite Leander pushing to 38. What made the semis doubly satisfying was that Thames ‘B’ won the other semi – how easily must Rachel have slept that night!

Whilst no race is decided until you cross the finish line, Thames ‘A’ must have been confident they could beat their ‘B’ crew in the final. But they weren’t taking any chances, the ‘B’ crew was itself fast, so they went off the start at 44 compared to the ‘B’ crew’s 42 which gave them half a length’s lead by the end of the Island, which became a length by the Barrier. There would be no easing up in this race – with Rachel’s crew hitting 38 to finish 2 ½ lengths ahead of their clubmates.

We may have got sweaty hugs from Molly, but by the time parents and coaches got to the boat tent area, the whole crew had jumped (or been thrown) in to the Thames, so our blazers got soggy hugs from Rachel.

Hopefully these two HRR wins will inspire the current Coleraine G.S. Rowing Club athletes to emulate these two terrific alumni, who are sure to go on to many more wins.

Watch all Rachel’s HRR races here:
HenleyRoyalRegatta - YouTube