09/03/2026
Derby Day: Brookes versus Oxford
After a two-year wait, the Oxford Derby returned to the Tideway, with three crews on either side fighting it out across two half-course pieces.
In the Blue Boat versus Brookes 1 lineup, Oxford got off to a quick start, moving out to three-quarters of a length. Brookes rowed back to a quarter of a length down around the first bend and were still moving through, before an unfortunate crab ended the Brookes fight. On the second piece, crews were level at the Bandstand before aggressive steering and warnings from Oxford approaching Barnes Bridge saw Oxford come off second best, with Brookes winning by clear water at Chiswick.
Isis versus Brookes II: Brookes got off to a good start, taking a quick half-length in the first minute. This margin was maintained all the way to Hammersmith before Brookes gradually moved away past St Paul’s on the outside station, to win the first piece by three lengths. In the second piece, crews remained level for the first couple of minutes before the advantage switched in favour of Brookes, who went on to win by two lengths again.
Lightweights versus Brookes III saw Brookes dominate both pieces from the start, taking clear water early and controlling the races to the finish.
These fixtures form a key part of our preparation for the Head of the River Regatta in three weeks time. We look forward to another fixture with Oxford next year.
