Mahé Drysdale displays the Diamond Challenge Sculls, which he was awarded in 2009 for winning the single sculls at Henley. The first competitive rowing race was held at Henley on the River Thames in England in 1839. From 1851 the event had royal patronage, and became known as the Henley Royal Regatta. All races are knock-out competitions between two boats. The Diamond Challenge Sculls began in 1850, and the formal description of the trophy was: 'The sculls are models of about six inches in length, formed of frosted and bright silver, the handles are fillet gold, the sculls crossed and corded gold, the cord appearing in the centre of a wreath of green enamel set with rubies and brilliants and tied with gold, the ends of the tie sustaining a brilliant drop.'