CINCINNATI — The American Queen lived up to her name Monday afternoon, snagging a win in Cincinnati's first riverboat race in 13 years.
The race started at the Purple People Bridge, went up the river, and ended at the Cincinnati Serpentine Wall. The boats were supposed to go to the St. Rose Church, turn around, and head back.
The Belle of Cincinnati pulled out to an early lead, but American Queen began inching ahead after the Daniel Carter Beard bridge. The American Duchess, which had been lagging in third the whole race, turned around before the St. Rose Church and headed back for the finish line. The two other boats pushed forward past the church.
This year’s race featured the late addition of the American Queen as a third contender in what was originally going to be a race exclusively between the Belle of Cincinnati and the American Duchess.
People gathered on both sides of the river and on the boats to watch the race.
Captain Alan Bernstein, owner of BB Riverboats and captain of the Belle of Cincinnati, spoke before the event.
"This is going to be something to see in person and will bring back many memories of the years surrounding the Tall Stacks event held here in Cincinnati," he said.
