Library Image River Thames by Steve Bidmead Pixabay
In a tightly contested race on the River Thames, 31-year-old Coran Cherry from Erith, Kent, has won the 311th annual Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager. The race, which is the world’s oldest continuously running boat race, saw Cherry cross the finish line at Cadogan Pier in Chelsea in 27 minutes and 1 second.
This was Cherry’s fourth and final attempt at the historic title. The victory earns him the prestigious red coat and silver badge, a top honour within the City of London. He was coached by Dan Bartlett and C J White at the Poplar, Blackwell and District Rowing Club.The 4-mile, 5-furlong race saw three competitors navigate the tidal river in single sculls. Jack Finelli, 27, of Medway Towns Rowing Club placed second, while 27-year-old Charlie Milward, also of Poplar, Blackwell and District Rowing Club, finished third. The race was one of the closest in recent years, with all three competitors finishing within 90 seconds of each other. The finishing times for the three competitors were:
- 1. Coran Cherry, 27m 1s
- 2. Jack Finelli, 28m 14s
- 3. Charlie Milward, 28m 30s
First held in 1715, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager is organized by The Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. It is open exclusively to qualified watermen and lightermen working on the Thames.