Cambridge continued their dominance of the men's Chanel J12 Boat Race after Oxford ended their long losing run in the women's event on the River Thames.
In windy conditions down the Thames, Cambridge claimed victory in the 171st men's event, winning by three-and-a-half lengths to make it four successes in a row.
But Oxford ended their decade-long wait for a win in the women's race. Cambridge had not been beaten since 2016 but Oxford powered into an early lead and held on to win the 80th women's race by three lengths.
Relive all the action from The Boat Race below:
Chanel J12 Boat Race 2026 - Live
- Cambridge win men's boat race as Oxford end losing run in women's event
- Oxford end Cambridge's decade of dominance with first win in women's race since 2016
- Cambridge secure fourth successive victory in men's race
Oxford celebrate end of decade of women’s Boat Race hurt as men share honours in feisty encounter
17:24 , Flo CliffordTen years since their last win on the Championship Course there were hoots and cheers of relief and delight as Oxford brought an end to a bruising Boat Race drought.
Cambridge had won the last eight editions; president Gemma King, by far the most experienced rower of either side, had won five of her six races on this course.
The Dark Blues faced a forbidding task but even throughout the years of those chastening defeats they were beginning to rebuild
Oxford celebrate end of decade of women’s Boat Race hurt as men share honours
Honours even
16:42 , Mike JonesThat is just about it for our coverage of the 2026 Boat Race.
Oxford’s women’s crew ended a decade of Cambridge dominance with their first victory since 2016 before the Light Blues fought back to earn a fourth successive victory in the men’s race.
There’ll be a report of the whole day still to come but for now, we’ll see you next year!
Cambridge win men's boat race
16:37 , Mike JonesHere are the celebrations from the Cambridge crew who triumphed in the men’s boat race.
Allan French, the Oxford women’s coach, speaking to Channel 4:
16:32 , Mike Jones“This takes time and it’s years in the making.
“These guys are incredible, what they do every day – they’re full-time students who do this in their spare time and they train hard, they put their life and soul into this, it’s a brutal race.
“And today they’ve made everybody so proud.”
Oxford win the women's boat race
16:27 , Mike JonesHere’s the Oxford women’s crew collecting their trophy and celebrating their triumph from this afternoon.
The best of Cambridge?
16:23 , Mike JonesMartin Cross, Olympic rowing champion, says on Channel 4: “I don’t think we saw the best of Cambridge – the rough water was a great leveller. The way the Dark Blues held on to Cambridge at the start, that was sensational.”
Reaction from Harry Geffen
16:19 , Mike JonesOxford’s stroke, Harry Geffen, told Channel 4: “It’s obviously mixed emotions. Gutted to come away with a loss but proud of the way we held on in there.
“A lot of people thought we’d roll over but we gave it everything we had and committed to the cause when they came.
“It was pretty rough out there. We practice for all that but nothing prepares you for when you’re 12 minutes deep and questioning whether you’re going to make it.
“We stuck on in there and no-one gave up on the fight. We all believed until right at the very end that we could pull it back.”
Cambridge win the men's boat race
16:15 , Mike Jones
We went for the same water
16:11 , Mike JonesTobias Bernard says that the battle for the fast water between the two crews wasn’t a deliberate tactic from Oxford but more a push to get into the best position.
“No, we just went for the same base of water,” he explained.
“There was never any contact so that was never an issue.”
Cambridge are incredible
16:07 , Mike JonesOxford cox, Tobias Bernard, praised his opponents after the race and labelled Cambridge as ‘incredible’.
He told Channel 4: “I obviously devastated about the result. We would have really wanted to go out there and win but if anything it is just testament to how strong a crew they are.
“I’m really poud of my guys but Cambridge are an incredible outfit.”
More reaction from Cambridge cox
16:03 , Mike JonesSammy Houdaigui also added: “I’m excited that I’m not too wet!
“That was a fast race. All credit to Oxford, all credit to the eight rowers. We knew that we had the right athletes in the boat and I’m just glad that I got to be a part of this and that I got to sit in the nine seat for this one.
“I love these guys, I love Cambridge, hats off to Oxford, they were fantastic.”
I'm feeling like I want a bagel
15:58 , Mike JonesA bit of fun here as the mother of Cambridge cox, Sammy Houdaigui, says she is going to name a bagel after him now that he has won the boat race.
When told the news after the win, Houdaigui said: “I have the best mum and the best dad. I’m feeling like I want a bagel.
“It’s a spicy bagel? I’m a bit bland and boring so, mum, I don’t know where that came from but we won the boat race!”
It was a super hard race
15:53 , Mike JonesCambridge president in the boat, Noam Mouelle, gave his reaction to Channel 4 after the race and explained how difficult a row that was for the crew.
He said: “I feel amazing. It was a super hard race, everyone was blown halfway through the race bt we had done the job early so there was no problem. We just had to make no mistakes and this is what we did. A great race.
“I think it will take a bit of time to realise it [equalling the Cambridge record of four wins in a row]. The goal for today was to get the job done which is what we did. Now we can think about all that.”
Cambridge win the men's boat race!
15:41 , Mike JonesThe beginning of the race was exciting as both boats battled for position but once Cambridge got themselves into the lead it was only a matter of time.
They cross the winning post in 17 minutes and 56 seconds.
Oxford are 10 seconds behind but that was a strong effort from the Dark Blues.
Cue the celebrations for Cambridge.
Oxford staying strong
15:39 , Mike JonesOne kilometre to go as the crews head under the Barnes Bridge.
Cambridge’s lead is up to eight seconds but Oxford have stuck with them.
The Dark Blues have handled this choppy water well but they’re looking tired now.
Do they have aany reserves left? Cambridge are smoothly moving through the water.
Conditions are bad
15:35 , Mike JonesThere’s visible white water on the Thames making things really tricky.
Past the Chiswick steps Cambridge are pushing themselves further into the lead.
They’re seven seconds ahead now and extending that with each stroke.
Oxford in contention
15:34 , Mike JonesThis match up looked to be severely one-sided before the race began but Oxford have given it a good go in rough conditions.
Cambridge haven’t hit their heights yet despite being ahead.
It feels as though the Light Blues will only get stronger from here but Oxford are in contention at Chiswick Eyot.
Cambridge lead extends
15:31 , Mike JonesCambridge are now ahead by over three seconds and are making the bend after the Hammersmith Bridge.
This is where the wind picked up and the water got really choppy during the women’s race.
It looks to be similar here as well.
Cambridge making moves
15:29 , Mike JonesAfter the near misses of the two crews it is Cambridge who look to be pulling ahead as the race comes to Hammersmith Bridge.
80% of the leaders at this bridge go on to win. That is the Cambridge crew.
Oxford aren’t too far behind them though.
Both crews chasing fast water
15:28 , Mike Jones“Oxford, move to Surrey now!”
That’s the call from the umpire as both crews position themselves in the middle of the river to get into the faster water.
Oxford have moved away from their starting position.
The boats are so close they’ve almost clashed with each other.
Cambridge edge ahead at the mile post.
Oxford warned for drifting
15:25 , Mike JonesOxford are warned a couple of times for drifting towards the Cambridge boat.
Cambridge are edging ahead but Oxford have stuck with them strongly.
That force and pushing from the Dark Blues could hinder them towards the back end of this race though.
We're off!
15:23 , Mike JonesThe flag drops for the men’s boat race to begin and rowers kick into action.
Oxford have the Surrey section but Cambridge are the heavy favourites.
Both teams set off in furious fashion. Cambridge are off at 47 strokes per minute.
The men's boat race
15:20 , Mike JonesCambridge have won the past three races and seven of the past 10 races.
They lost the toss, however, and Oxford will have the Surrey station meaning a slightly easier race and a better line.
Will that be enough for Oxford to end their run of defeats?
The men's crews
15:18 , Mike JonesIt’s almost time for the second boat race to get underway so here’s a look at the two men’s teams:
Oxford: Tobias Bernard (Cox), Harry Geffen (Stroke), Alex Sullivan, Jamie Arnold, Alex Underwood, Fergus Pim, James Fetter, Julian Schöberl, Felix Crabtree
Cambridge: Sammy Houdaigui (Cox), Frederik Breuer (Stroke), William Klipstine, Alexander McClean, Gabriel Obholzer, Patrick Wild, Kyle Fram, Noam Mouelle, Simon Hatcher
Matt Moran explains Cambridge's tactics
15:14 , Mike JonesThe women’s race threw up a few different tactics than we usually see and Matt Moran, the Cambridge cox, explained why he took their boat closer to the shoreling on a couple of occasions.
He said: “I think the conditions were bad and we discussed beforehand that if it was that bad and was disrupting what we were doing we would try to give ourselves the best opportunity to define our rhythm.
“We had so much faith in what we practiced and the rhythm we could generate and we thought that would give us the better opportunity to do that.”
We'll be back
15:10 , Mike JonesCambridge president in the boat, Gemma King, spoke to Channel 4 after losing to Oxford and was bitterly disappointed.
She said: “Obviously it isn’t the outcome we wanted but I’m so proud of our crew and everyone in the squad this year. I think they were crazy conditions out there and we knew they had a strong start but we gave it our all and did our best in the crazy wind.
“I’ve loved every part of this journey with everyone in the team and I’m glad we got to race out there. We’ll be back.”
What a cool way to win this race
15:06 , Mike JonesThe conditions for that race were very tough. Choppy water and headwinds.
Corrigan said he hadn’t rowed in anything like that ‘for years’.
He told Channel 4: “Pretty windy is probably an understatement, I don’t think I’ve rowed in something like that in years.
“That was quite something so what a cool way to win this race.”
Louis Corrigan reacts to Oxford win
15:02 , Mike JonesOxford’s cox, Louis Corrigan, spoke to Channel 4 after the race and was overjoyed.
He said: “Just holding them where they needed to be. Just managing how much stream could we get, how much rough water can we cope with and narrowing that line down just right.
“I think we did that really well today and we just held them at bay.
“What a f****** awesome day!”
Celebrations erupt
14:58 , Flo Clifford at The Boat RaceOxford break an eight-year losing streak emphatically and celebrations erupt as they get out of the boat and are mobbed by family and teammates - but not before president and stroke Heidi Long, who has put herself through the wringer doing that, throws up in the river.
“Cambridge are welcomed home just as enthusiastically but are of course bitterly disappointed.”
Long 'overwhelmed' by win
14:55 , Mike JonesHeidi Long, Oxford’s stroke and captain, was quite emotional and lost for words when she spoke to Channel 4 after the race.
“I’m overwhelmed,” she said.
“That was... I don’t know. I’m so happy, I can’t believe it.”
Crew reaction to come
14:50 , Mike JonesAs you might expect after such an exerting race, the crews are taking a little time to recover their strength.
We’ll have some reaction from the winning crews shortly.
Oxford win the women's boat race
14:46 , Mike JonesHeidi Long and her teammates have started to celebrate.
The members of the Oxford team are cheering and clapping on the banks of the Thames as well.
Oxford won by over two lengths in the end and claimed victory in a pretty dominant manner.
Oxford win the women's boat race!
14:41 , Mike JonesOxford end their run of defeats and claim victory in the women’s boat race for the first time since 2016!
It’s a resounding victory for the Dark Blues who forced their way out into the lead at the start and held onto their advantage throughout.
What a win!
Cambridge stay tight to shore
14:40 , Mike JonesMatt Moran guides Cambrigde closer to the shore to try and close off the gap at the next bend.
It’s a gamble as Oxford are rowing in the fast water further to the middle of the river.
Oxford are in great rhythm and have been for most of this race. It looks as though they won’t be caught...
Can Cambridge close?
14:38 , Mike JonesCambridge needed to switch things up and limit Oxford’s lead but they’re struggling to close the gap on the leaders.
Oxford have endurance and have shown that throughout the season.
At the last bend of the race, Oxford’s lead hasn’t shortened by much.
At Barnes Bridge, Oxford lead and head into the final stretch.
They lead by eight seconds.
Oxford copy the move
14:35 , Mike JonesAt the Chiswick Steps, Oxford respond to the Cambridge move and have come across to cover their switch of direction.
It’s a good tactic and the Oxford rhythm hasn’t been upset.
Cambridge look a bit tired as well. Around 2km to go, Oxford lead by over a length.
Into the rough
14:33 , Mike JonesThe crews move into more rough and choppy water with Oxford still out front.
The women do look as though they’re starting to feel the pain of their rapid start but it isn’t affecting them as of yet.
10 minutes into the race and the conditions are getting tougher by the second.
Matt Moran, Cambridge’s cox, has moved the boat to the left and closer to the shore. There’s less fast water here but it seems easier to row in.
Cambridge in Oxford's wake
14:30 , Mike JonesThe lead has grown to over six seconds as Oxford cruise underneath Hammersmith Bridge.
Cambridge are now rowing in Oxford’s wake but there’s plenty of time left in this race.
Are the leaders starting to tire?
Crews battling wind
14:28 , Mike JonesCambridge are about one length behind as they round the bend in the river heading for Hammersmith Bridge.
Oxford have bombed away and are at risk of gassing themselves out.
The Light Blues of Cambridge are about five seconds behind already.
Cambridge had got themselves up to a stroke rate of 38 per minute but that has dropped to 36 again.
Oxford lead grows
14:26 , Mike JonesCambridge are drifting behind with just over three minutes of the race done.
They need to hang with Oxford until the Surrey bend in order to capitalise on their river position.
Oxford are stroking at 36 per minute which is a little high at the minute.
Oxford move into early lead
14:24 , Mike JonesThe Oxford crew are strong at getting themselves going and they went flat out to edge themselves in front.
Cambridge have just about kept up with them though and are now settling into a bit of rhythm.
Oxford have twiced been warned about drifting towards the Cambridge boat as they chase after the fast water over to the left side of the Thames.
We're off!
14:22 , Mike JonesIt will be a ninth win in a row for Cambridge if they get it done this afternoon but Oxford have had the better season.
The flag is dropped and the race is underway. Oxford get themselves going quicker and zip into a lead against the incoming tide.
The women's crews
14:20 , Mike JonesOxford: Louis Corrigan (Cox), Heidi Long (Stroke), Sarah Marshall, Esther Briz Zamorano, Kyra Delray, Julietta Camahort, Lilli Freischem, Emily Molins, Annie Anezakis
Cambridge: Matt Moran (Cox), Aidan Wrenn-Walz (Stroke), Mia Freischem, Camille Vandermeer, Antonia Galland, Carys Earl, Charlotte Ebel, Isobel Campbell, Gemma King
Women's boat race
14:18 , Mike JonesOkay, the crews are in the water and we’re almost ready for the start of the women’s race.
Cambridge have chosen the Surrey starting position meaning they’ll have a slight advantage at the bend of Putney Bridge.
The Light Blues are the slight underdogs but this looks set to be a close one.
The banks of the Thames are packed
14:16 , Flo Clifford at The Boat RaceI've traded in the media centre (which, naturally, is in the gym of a rowing club, erg machines shoved to one side just for the day) for the media boat, the best way to catch the race.
“The banks of the Thames are lined with excited punters and the tunes are blaring - and the sun is even threatening to peek out every now and then.”
Underdogs win the coin tosses
14:12 , Flo CliffordFortunately for the neutral, both coin tosses have worked out in favour of - theoretically - a more even race.
“Cambridge Women, the slight underdogs, have won the toss, as have Oxford Men, the overwhelming underdogs.
“Both have chosen the Surrey side, closer to Putney, which is expected to confer an advantage in today’s conditions: wild and windy.”
Cambridge look strong
14:08 , Mike JonesCamille Vandermeer is an Olympic champion with the USA and sits in the middle of the Cambridge boat for the women’s race.
That section will be a tough one to beat with Germany’s Antonia Galland and Carys Earl of Great Britain and Swizterland partnering her in seat five and six.
The Boat Races: Upcoming schedule for Oxford v Cambridge
14:04 , Flo CliffordUsually the race features on the Sunday, but this year it will take place on Saturday, 4 April.
The women go first, two and a half hours before high tide, with the men an hour later. This will give both teams the best chance to row in the fastest possible water current.
Both races take place along a 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames - the Tideway - starting in Putney and finishing in Mortlake.
Schedule
All times BST
Women: 2.21 pm
Women's reserves: 2.36 pm
Men's reserves: 2.51 pm
Men: 3.21 pm
Sisters set to battle for ‘ultimate bragging rights’ in this weekend’s Boat Race
13:49 , Rachel SteinbergThe Thames is set to become the battleground for an extraordinary sibling rivalry this Saturday as sisters Lilli and Mia Freischem go head-to-head in the historic Boat Race, vying for what they describe as "ultimate bragging rights".
The unique clash sees Mia representing Cambridge, hoping to extend their dominant nine-year winning streak, while older sister Lilli, rowing for Oxford alongside world and Olympic medallist Heidi Long, aims to finally overturn the tide.
This year marks a rare occasion, with the Freischems being the first sister-opponents in 22 years.
Sisters set to battle for ‘ultimate bragging rights’ in this weekend’s Boat Race
Why Chanel is dipping its oar into the River Thames as sponsor of this weekend’s Boat Race
13:34 , Nick FoulkesIt might seem a surprising partnership, but there are more similarities than first meets the eye between the most famous luxury fashion house in the world and the British institution that is The Boat Race
Why Chanel is dipping its oar into the River Thames this weekend
‘It’s pretty gnarly’: Behind the scenes at Trial Eights
13:19 , Flo CliffordBehind the famous annual race is months of preparation, cold, dark mornings on the freezing water, and an internal battle for selection almost as nerve-wracking as the big day itself
Behind the scenes at Trial Eights, the fight for selection at the famous Boat Race
The tension at the heart of the Boat Race – and a battle between tradition and innovation
13:04 , Flo CliffordAllegations of elitism and snobbery permanently follow the famous Boat Race, one of Britain’s most iconic and longstanding sporting institutions, and it is turning to a luxury sponsor, new live coverage deals, and reality stars to maintain that prestigious image while staying relevant in the modern age
The tension at heart of The Boat Race - and a battle between tradition and innovation
Who holds the upper hand historically?
12:49 , Flo CliffordCambridge have dominated in recent years, on both the men’s and, in particular, the women’s side.
The Dark Blues have won the past eight women’s races in a row and the past three on the men’s side.
Cambridge’s historical advantage in the men’s race is 88-81, while Cambridge women have won 49 races to Oxford’s 30.
How can I watch the Boat Race?
12:34 , Flo CliffordYou can watch this year’s race on Channel 4, who hold the rights for the race for the next five years, with coverage beginning at 1:30pm BST.
Fans can enjoy the races across many spots along the Thames all the way up to the finish line in Mortlake, with the towpath on Putney and Chiswick Bridge especially popular.
Schedule
12:19 , Flo CliffordAll times BST
Women: 2.21 pm
Women's reserves: 2.36 pm
Men's reserves: 2.51 pm
Men: 3.21 pm
When and where is the Boat Race 2026?
12:10 , Flo CliffordThe Chanel J12 Boat Race, in its 80th edition for the women and 171st edition for the men, will take place on the River Thames, London.
Usually the race features on the Sunday, but this year it will take place on Saturday, 4 April.
The women go first, two and a half hours before high tide, with the men an hour later. This will give both teams the best chance to row in the fastest possible water current.
Both races take place along a 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames - the Tideway - starting in Putney and finishing in Mortlake.
Chanel J12 Boat Race 2026
12:05 , Flo CliffordThe Chanel J12 Boat Race is back with Cambridge looking to extend their dominance and Oxford determined to fight back on the River Thames in London.
With Cambridge women victorious since 2017 and Cambridge men extending their win streak to three in a row, Oxford face a tough task to seize glory once again.
“Ultimate bragging rights” will be on the line when sisters Lilli and Mia Freischem face off on opposing teams in the women’s race, too, with the former looking to prevent the latter from completing a decade of dominance.
Another fascinating narrative in the evolution of the race is the French influence: both men’s teams’ presidents are French, with Noam Mouelle leading Cambridge Men, and Tobias Bernard, who is British-French, leading Oxford and established as the cox of the men’s crew.
Good afternoon
12:00 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to the Chanel J12 Boat Race 2026!
Cambridge and Oxford resume their usual hostilities in the hotly anticipated annual clash, with the Light Blues hot favourites in the men’s race but a much closer women’s race expected.
We’ll have all the build-up and updates from today’s races right here.
