HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England -- The Harvard men's lightweight rowing coxed four won its first race at the Henley Royal Regatta on Thursday morning against Melbourne University in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup. Coxed by Nathalie Gregg and stroked by Jackson Violich, the Crimson, which had received a bye into day three of HRR, advanced to Friday with the win.

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The Australians jumped out to an early lead, but Harvard, launching from the Berks station, made quick work of overtaking Melbourne and soon built on its lead. Harvard gained open water before reaching the spectators in the final 300m and moved through to day four of the competition. The Crimson clocked in at 2:03 at the Barrier checkpoint, 3:27 at Fawley and ultimately crossed in 7:07 by approximately two lengths.

Rounding out the Harvard boat were Zarret Mills, Herbie Austin-Baker and Brody Luce. The race marks Harvard lightweight's first entry into the Prince Albert Challenge Cup and first race against Melbourne.

Harvard will race against Oxford University A in Friday's quarterfinals. Oxford defeated Oxford Brookes University B earlier in the day by a length in 6:58. A race time will be announced later on Thursday.