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The 2026 Boat Race takes place on Saturday 4th April 2026 on the Thames from Putney to Mortlake € the 171st Men's Boat Race and the 80th Women's Boat Race. Cambridge arrive as hot favourites having won eight races in a row, their longest winning streak in decades. Can Oxford end the run?
Check the William Hill tab above for the latest odds, or read our full guide below before you place your bet.
Cambridge € Dominant favourites
Cambridge have won eight consecutive Boat Races and are the clear favourites again in 2026. Their recent winning margins have been comfortable € 5.5 lengths in 2025 and 2.5 lengths in 2024. They have dominated this era of the race and bookmakers price them at odds-on most years. The Women's race is similarly one-sided, with Cambridge leading the all-time series 48-30.
Oxford € The value punt
Oxford remain the each-way option for punters who believe Cambridge cannot dominate forever. The head-to-head record overall reads 87-82 to Cambridge in the Men's race € Oxford have won this event more times than most people realise and are never to be completely dismissed. At longer odds, Oxford always represent interest for the value bettor.
Outright winner € The main market. Men's and Women's races are separate bets. Cambridge are odds-on favourites in both.
Winning margin € Bookmakers offer markets on how many lengths the winner wins by. Cambridge winning by 4 lengths has been a strong trend in recent years.
Race time € Will the winning time be over or under a set figure? The course record is 16 minutes 19 seconds set by Cambridge in 1998. Most races are won in 17-19 minutes.
Will a boat sink? € It sounds unusual but bookmakers genuinely offer this market. A boat has sunk six times in the race's history, but not since 1978. Usually available at around 20/1.
Dead heat € It has happened once, in 1877. Available at around 150/1 for the optimistic punter.
Answer the questions below and count your score to find your result at the bottom:
1. Which type of university did you attend or prefer?
A) A collegiate, traditional institution (2 points Oxford / 2 points Cambridge)
B) A modern, forward-thinking university (1 point each)
2. Do you prefer backing favourites or outsiders?
A) Favourites € I like to win (Cambridge € 3 points)
B) Outsiders € give me value (Oxford € 3 points)
3. Cambridge have won 8 in a row. What do you think happens in 2026?
A) They win again € streaks are broken by form, not luck (Cambridge € 3 points)
B) Oxford will end the streak € nothing lasts forever (Oxford € 3 points)
Result: Mostly Cambridge points = Back Cambridge. Mostly Oxford points = Oxford each-way value.
2025 € Cambridge (5.5 lengths)
2024 € Cambridge (2.5 lengths)
2023 € Cambridge
2022 € Oxford
2021 € Cambridge
2020 € No race (Covid)
2019 € Cambridge
2018 € Cambridge
2017 € Oxford
2016 € Cambridge
2015 € Oxford
2014 € Oxford
2013 € Oxford
2012 € Cambridge
2011 € Oxford
2010 € Cambridge
Overall record: Cambridge lead 87-82 in the Men's race. There was one dead heat in 1877. Cambridge also lead the Women's race 48-30.
The first Boat Race was held in 1829, making it one of the oldest sporting events in the world. The race covers 4.25 miles from Putney to Mortlake and draws crowds of over 250,000 on the banks of the Thames, with a television audience of millions on the BBC. The race is decided by a coin toss € the losing crew gets to pick their starting position, which is considered the greater advantage on the tidal Thames.
Wondering what other events are on this month? Check the FreeBetsLad Sports Calendar for all upcoming events and betting odds.
18 only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.co.uk. Odds are indicative and subject to change.