Gallagher Great Race promises superb rowing duel

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Picture shows Waikato University forging out a lead against Harvard in the 2007 Gallagher Great Race

Gallagher Great Race promises superb rowing duel

Less than a month after the Olympic rowing regatta concludes, top class rowing will once again hit the headlines in New Zealand when the Gallagher Great Race takes place on the Waikato River.

Organisers are keeping their cards close to their chests, but they are hoping that several of New Zealand’s current Olympians could find their way into either Waikato University’s top men’s or women’s eight when the races kick off on Sunday September 7th.

This year, Cambridge University will be sending their number one men’s eight and Sydney University their best women’s eight to take on some of the best in student rowing that New Zealand has to offer.

According to New Zealand rowing Olympian Rob Hamill, the race is a fantastic showcase for university sport.

“University sport in New Zealand is sometimes not given the credibility it deserves. Time and again Waikato University has taken on some of the best student crews in the world and has beaten them,” explained Hamill.

“You simply cannot do that unless you are training to the same degree and have a similar pool of talent. And the fact that we regularly attract Olympians into the event should ably demonstrate the kudos of the event.”

As ever, the organisers have laid on a huge event to support the major rowing races.

ENDS

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

TIME EVENT – SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER LOCATION
10.00am Hamilton Rowing Club - Corporate rowing heats begin River
10.00am Arrow International Charity Fun Run & Walk Public Boat ramp
TIME EVENT – SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER LOCATION
9.00am University of Waikato - Secondary School GIRLS Erg Relay Main Stage
9.00am University of Waikato - Secondary School BOYS Erg Relay Main Stage
9.50am Launch of boats for University of Waikato Secondary School Girls River
10.00am Launch of boats for University of Waikato Secondary School Boys River
10.00am Holdfast Million Metre Row begins Ferry Bank Path
10.00am The Funky Monkeys 30min show Main Stage
10.35am Gallagher Great Race Coin Toss Main Stage
10.45am University of Waikato Secondary School Girls River
11.00am University of Waikato Secondary School Boys River
11.15am Mica the Clown Main Stage
11.20am Launch of boats for Bryan Gould Cup Race: Waikato University V Sydney University River
11.30am Hamilton Rowing Club - Corporate Racing Final River
Hip Hop Dance group (TBC) Main Stage
12.20pm Gallagher Great Race Crews Haka and Launch HRC Boat Ramp
12noon Bryan Gould Cup Race: Waikato University V Sydney University River
12.30pm Air display
12.55pm National Anthems – NZ & UK Main Stage
01.00pm The Gallagher Great Race:
University of Waikato vs Cambridge University River
01.30pm Great Race Prize Giving Main Stage

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