The Wanganui Rowing Association invited applications from outstanding male scullers to compete in a 2000 metre Sculling Race, The Wild Card Race.

This event was held on the Whanganui River, at 5.00 pm on Friday 28th November 2009. The Wanganui Rowing Association, in consultation with the High Performance Team, New Zealand Rowing, selected the 7 most able from all applicants and was run pursuant to the applicable rules of New Zealand Rowing.

The winner was Nathan Cohen and he received a $500.00 purse and the right to participate in The Billy Webb Centennial Challenge. This race featured Tim Maeyens, triple World Champion Mahe Drysdale, and Nathan Cohen himself. It was raced over 5000 metres for a purse of $5,000.00! After a very strong row, Mahe came out the winner in 2009. We are delighted to confirm that he will be back to defend his title in 2010.