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| The Oxford crew celebrate victory after the BNY Mellon 159th Oxford versus Cambridge University Boat Race on The River Thames |
The Dark Blues, who won the toss and opted for the Surrey station, made a strong start and finally broke a spirited Cambridge effort just as the river turned towards the finish at Barnes Bridge.
Royal Marines were drafted in to patrol the River Thames after the 2012 race was halted when Trenton Oldfield swam into the path of the two crews.
Bookies favourite Oxford led for most of the race and crossed the finish line a length-and-a-half ahead of Cambridge.
Marines were stationed in inflatable boats along the four-and-a-quarter mile course to ensure the annual event passed without incident.
Last year’s dramatic race also saw Oxford bowman Alex Woods collapse after crossing the finish line.
Oxford were clear favourites to win the race after more than 70% of bets were placed on the Dark Blues, according to bookmaker William Hill.
The winning crew finished in 17 minutes and 27 seconds to cut Cambridge’s overall lead to 81-77.
Source Dailyrecord.co.uk