Stanbury then accepted the challenge of the Canadian Jake Gaudaur (Champion of North America). The race would be held on the Thames on September 7, 1896, for the World Championship and a wager of one thousand pounds.

Jake Gaudaur

Gaudaur, born in 1858, was a 38 year old veteran of over 100 professional races when he challenged for the world title.

The race report was as follows:

"The race commenced at 2:30 pm. The weather was fine but there was a slight cold breeze.

Stanbury won the toss for choice of position.

Gaudaur took Stanbury's water at Harrod's wharf amid great excitement from the crowd.

At the Lead Mills Stanbury claimed a foul but the umpire disallowed it. Stanbury made no further effort and Gaudaur won by twenty lengths."

As a result of Stanbury losing a race that he was favoured to win, the public displayed a lot of cynicism towards the result.

Stanbury was of the opinion that the foul caused by Gaudaur would be upheld and the race would be awarded to him, hence his reason for not contesting the remaining part of the course.

The foul was not upheld, however, with the resulting loss of the championship and the one thousand pound prize. Stanbury received a cool reception on his return to Australia where there was public perception that he had not tried, but his only comment was that he was beaten but not defeated.

Stanbury then retired from professional rowing for a period of 8 years.

Stanbury in front of Ryde Wharf (about 1900)

Gaudaur was to hold the title for the next four years.

Jake Gaudaur

In the meantime, George Towns, an up and coming sculler from the Hunter River, was winning many local races.

George Towns

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