Place Your Bets!

Not a moment too soon BetLush is once again open for business and for the first time will be taking bets for one of the more testing events on the calendar: The Vesta Sculler’s Head on 1st December.

With a record entry from CBRC competing and some promising talent shining through there could be some tidy returns for the smart punter.


Nadia (WS3) – With training dogged by injury it’s likely she might not even make it to the start line. Worth waiting to see if the Doctor gives her the all clear nearer race day before parting with your cash. A long shot at 40-1.

Hazel (WS3) – Seated in one of the finest boats at the club Hazel can’t blame her equipment if she doesn’t perform. She has been seen giving some of the men a run for their money during training and will be looking to better them on the tideway. A possible top 5 finish at 20-1

Neil (Vet B)– Understated and low rating Neil could be the first sculler to complete the course with an average rate of less than 10. A steering incident at Ariel head left the bookies guessing as to his true speed but his solid technique could see him finish well. ‘I don’t believe it’: 16-1

Charley (N) – His unique racing preparation involving an evening in the Corrie Tap hampered his progress at Bristol Ariel head but Charley has been making steady improvements during his more sober sculling outings and is starting to look like a contender in the novice category: 43-2

Crusher (Vet C) – The surprise of the season for many, Martin ‘Crusher’ Downey has silenced his critics and is now snapping at the heels of the fastest scullers. Using one of the largest single sculls ever built is sure to give him an advantage if things turn rough out on the Thames. An optimistic 12-1

Marcus (S4) – Numerous underperformances during the build up to the race has left many losing confidence in this slender sculler. Sure to struggle in all but the flattest of water his result is well and truly in the lap of the met office. A doubtful 41-2.

Ali (S2 LWT) – Unseen and untested choosing to train on foreign waters Ali could be the one to watch, assuming he has managed to stay away from the early Christmas excesses and makes it past the weigh in. A risky 12-1

Mike Duffy (S2) – Finishing just off the podium at Cardiff has got this sculler some welcome attention and many reckon he could be on his best form yet. Worth a punt each way at 6-1

Tony (Vet B) – The true contender for the crown of Bristol’s fastest sculler. Racing Elite in his youth and now competing for the Vet B pennant Larkman looks sure to be unstoppable. Clear favorite at 7-2.

Graham Davidson (Vet F) – The most ‘experienced’ entry but showing no signs of slowing down. With a win at Cardiff under his belt from this year and an excellent track record for the Championship Course Graham’s only weakness is his over enthusiasm. ‘Pick up the rate’ 19-1

Jack (S4) – A top 30 result last year has given Jack the number 18 start position. Racing alongside some of the top scullers in the country ought to help bring out his best but there is a rumour that he’s not as quick as he used to be. Still the only boat likely to give Larkman a run for his money: 5-1.