24 July 2026

By Tim Koch

Recently, the magnificent surroundings of Fishmongers’ Hall overlooking London Bridge saw the draw for stations and colours for the 2026 Doggett’s Coat and Badge. Although the race is only open to qualified members of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, the event has long had an association with the Fishmongers’ Company, one of London’s ancient trade guilds or livery companies. The respectable Fishmongers were considered more suitable to look after the money provided by the will of the race founder, Thomas Doggett, than were the Watermen as, in the past, those who worked the river were considered rather roguish. 

The three who will race on 2nd September are Callum Howard, Jack Finelli and Charlie Milward.

After last year’s three boat race in which Finelli came second and Milward third, I offered both some unsolicited advice:

I know nothing about Finelli’s training programme, but I speculate that he relies too much on the fact that, as an amateur boxer, he is very strong and very fit. He also seems very competitive and was almost certainly the physically strongest man in the race (he has lifted a lot of weights since his last Doggett’s in 2019). However, gym fit or boxing ring fit is not the same as boat fit, I would suggest that he spends a lot more time on the water. Also, he needs to implement some good advice on steering and race strategy – although this could apply to any Doggett’s competitor. We do not yet know who will enter in 2026, but it could well be Finelli’s year.

Regarding Milward, as someone new to sculling, he put in a very impressive first performance and will only get better. (In 2025) he rowed his own race and slowly came back on the other two. (Previously) he spoke to Fergus Mainland of Junior Rowing News:

When I was an apprentice many years ago, I said to my master, who was my cousin, that I’d promise to row the race if I finished my freedom…I’m fulfilling a promise, and the more I’ve trained, the more I’ve fallen in love with the sport. This is my first attempt. It’s all very new and I’m quite raw, but we’ll see how we go on the day… It would mean a lot to be a part of history and to say that I’ve done it and participated in it. If I don’t win, then you’ll see me next year!

I think that Milward would benefit from entering head races and possibly regattas to get some competitive experience. He should be buoyed by the fact that I can think of several people who have started their Doggett’s journey from much less promising beginnings and, after a lot of hard work, have gone onto wear the coveted Coat and Badge. 

The 312th Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager will be on Wednesday, 2nd September beginning at London Bridge at 13.15.