How many Boat Races have there been between Oxford and Cambridge?
CAMBRIDGE will rekindle their centuries-old rivalry with Oxford in the renowned university Boat Race this weekend.
In recent years, Cambridge University has dominated both the men’s and women’s races, taking home five of the last six men’s titles and SEVEN in a row for the women.
However, this year’s Boat Race has seen huge controversy after FOUR Cambridge rowers were barred from competing.
They included Olympic gold medallist Tom Ford – who first started his undergraduate degree 12 years ago – and Matt Heywood, who is a former winner of the Under-23 world championships.
Both those rowers, as well as Kate Cowley and Molly Foxell, are on PGCE courses, which Oxford says made them ineligible.
The rule was brought into play after Olympic icon James Cracknell came out of retirement in 2019 to help Cambridge win that year’s race.
As usual, the 6.8-kilometer (4-mile, 374-yard) River Thames route will go from Putney to Mortlake in west London.
The Boat Race 2025
THE Boat Race is back for yet another huge meeting between rivals Oxford and Cambridge.
The Light Blues of Cambridge University have been in dominant form in recent years but have been hit with huge controversy in the build-up to this year’s race – with FOUR rowers banned from competing after Oxford complained about their eligibility.
INFORMATION
- When is the Boat Race 2025?
- What is the Championship Course?
- Who has won the most Boat Races in history?
- What happens if one of the boats sink?
- What happens if there’s a dead heat?
- Do you have to study at Oxford or Cambridge to take part?
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How many Boat Races have there been between Oxford and Cambridge?
The Boat Race was first held in 1829, although the second didn’t take place for another seven years in 1836.
It has been held annually since 1856.
The only years the Boat Race has NOT been held since then have come in 1915-19 because of World War I, 1940-45 because of World War II and 2020 because of Covid-19.
There were unofficial races held in 1940 and 1943-45, with two wins each.
This year is the 170th edition of the men’s race and the 79th edition of the women’s race.
Last 10 Boat Race results
The last 10 winners of The Boat Race:
2024 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2023 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2022 – Oxford (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2021 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2020 – no race due to Covid-19
2019 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2018 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2017 – Oxford (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2016 – Cambridge (men’s) / Oxford (women’s)
2015 – Oxford (men’s) / Oxford (women’s)
2014 – Oxford (men’s) / Oxford (women’s)
The first women’s race took place in 1927 but did not become an annual event until 1964.
It was also held a day earlier until 2015, when it was moved to the same day.
Cambridge’s Light Blues hold an advantage of the Blues of Oxford in both the men’s and women’s events.
The men have an 87-81 all-time lead, while there was also an infamous dead heat between the two teams in 1877.
The women are not as close, with Cambridge having a 48-30 record over their rivals.
When is the 2025 Boat Race?
The boat race’s date varies each year, depending on tides, academic schedules, and other London events. That being said, this year’s event is held on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
At 2.21pm GMT, the men’s race is scheduled to begin.
Two reserve events are positioned in between the women’s race, which is planned for an hour prior.
The main events are listed below:
- 1.21pm: 79th Women’s Boat Race
- 1.36pm: Women’s Reserve Race: Osiris against Blondie
- 1.51pm: Men’s Reserve Race: Isis vs Goldie
- 2.21pm: 170th Men’s Boat Race
How to watch the 2025 Boat Race?
BBC One will broadcast all four races for FREE.
You may watch their broadcast live online on your computer, tablet, or smartphone via the BBC iPlayer, which will begin at 12:45 p.m.
Additionally, it will be streamed live on the Boat Race YouTube channel and the BBC website.
Alternatively, you can follow the SunSport’s live blog for all latest updates.
What are the teams?
The Oxford and Cambridge crews were revealed on Wednesday, March 26, at Battersea Power Station.
Oxford Men: Tobias Bernard (cox), Nico Kohl (stroke), Nick Rusher, Tom Mackintosh, Tass von Mueller, James Doran, Felix Rawlinson, Will O’Connell, Tom Sharrock (bow).
Cambridge men: Ollie Boyne (Cox), Douwe de Graaf (Stroke), Luca Ferraro, James Robson, George Bourne, Gabriel Mahler, Tom Macky, Noam Mouille, Simon Hatcher (Bow).
Oxford women: Daniel Orton (cox), Heidi Long (stroke), Kyra Delray, Annie Anezakis, Sarah Marshall, Alexia Lowe, Tessa Haining, Lilli Freischem, Sarah Polson (bow).
Cambridge women: Jack Nicholas (cox), Samy Morton (stroke), Tash Morrice, Claire Collins, Carys Earl, Annie Wertheimer, Sophia Hahn, Gemma King, Katy Hempson (bow).