On Saturday, 4th April 2026, we returned to the Duke’s Head in Putney for our annual Boat Races Lunch and Spectacle, continuing a much-loved Society tradition inaugurated in 2012. Members and their guests gathered in the Wolsey Room, our private first-floor room in this handsome Grade II listed riverside pub, perfectly placed to watch the crews assemble and set off from Putney. The day began with time to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere before everyone sat down to lunch at 12.45pm. With the river just beyond the windows, the sense of occasion steadily built as Boat Race crowds gathered outside and the first crews prepared for the afternoon’s contests.
We dined on a primarily pescatarian theme finished with chocolate brownie with honeycomb ice cream. Following our lunch, we ambled towards our windows to watch the start of the 80th Women’s Boat Race at 2.21pm. Oxford’s women made a powerful start and held their lead to the finish, winning by three lengths in 19 minutes 15 seconds – their first victory over us since 2016! Although not our preferred result, it was a fine race in very testing conditions.
We soon had cause to cheer. In the Women’s Reserve Race, Blondie defeated Osiris by nine lengths, followed by an emphatic victory for Goldie over Isis in the Men’s Reserve Race by 19 lengths. With two wins already secured, attention then turned to the 171st Men’s Boat Race.
We went into the men’s race as strong favourites and delivered accordingly. In rough, windy and choppy conditions, we held off a determined Oxford challenge and powered on to win by three and a half lengths in 17 minutes 57 seconds. It was our fourth consecutive victory in the Men’s Boat Race and extended the overall men’s tally to 89 wins against Oxford’s 81.
The result gave us three victories out of four: Blondie, Goldie and the men’s Blue Boat all triumphant. Champagne and other refreshments were therefore entirely justified, and members lingered afterwards for further conversation, post-race analysis and celebration.
As ever, the Society’s Boat Race gathering combined the best ingredients of the day: Cambridge company, a leisurely lunch, a privileged view of the start, the excitement of the Tideway, and the comfort of a private room from which to follow the drama to Mortlake. Even without a clean sweep this year, there was more than enough Light Blue success to make it a memorable afternoon.
Organised by Alastair Gourlay