Boat race

This used to matter. As primary school kids in a working class area where none of us could point to Oxford or Cambridge on a map or even know what a university was, we'd pick a side to support.

Now it's just a relic of a bygone age, or another sporting crown jewel let go by the BBC.

Cheltenham, The Grand National, Boat Race, The Masters all on BBC on the run up to summer. Only got the Snooker left now and I'm sure Hearn will sell that to Sky or someone else soon.

In the 1950s/ 60s the nation almost stopped for this race. We went around wearing rosettes & there was great excitement with lots of previews going on for weeks before. Today I only realised it was taking place when I saw it in the television listings. What we need is a one legged lesbian transgender Muslim of colour in the men's boat to revive interest. And being televised on Channel 4, I'm surprised there isn't one there already.

Betfair have in in specials, lol.

Lucky to even be televised. You have to chuckle about the stories as if anyone is going to remember any of those competing. Half an hour would be more than long enough.

what would this geezer presenting know about it

Slicer • April 4, 2026 12:19 PM BST
In the 1950s/ 60s the nation almost stopped for this race. We went around wearing rosettes & there was great excitement with lots of previews going on for weeks before. Today I only realised it was taking place when I saw it in the television listings

remember watching with my nanna saturday grandstand through the 90s

Apr 4, 2026 -- 11:36AM, Mr Spock wrote:

Cheltenham, The Grand National, Boat Race, The Masters all on BBC on the run up to summer. Only got the Snooker left now and I'm sure Hearn will sell that to Sky or someone else soon.

yes BBC did all the big events well

was a photo finish 1 year (not the DH)

cambridge 1/6 christ

Same teams in the final again?

Best one was when they sunk.

I walked the course last Saturday as a Cambridge scout.

What did the going stick say Alun?

Apr 4, 2026 -- 1:48PM, ----you-have-to-laugh--- wrote:

Best one was when they sunk.

think the women nearly did too a few years ago

Yeah, Cambridge boat was well down in the water.

My uncle used to dive off Hammersmith bridge!

What did the going stick say Alun?

Good to Firm, but then again it was a special one I borrowed from a racetrack clerk of the course.

My shoes suggested otherwise.

Rumour is they watered the course this morning when they found out that Alun had determined it was good to firm. Has affected the draw as Oxford women had the advantage at the start & led from start to finish.

WD Oxford, good start.

The stewards enquired into the improved form shown by Oxford. The trainer noted that they were suited by the good to firm river on this occasion. The explanation was noted.

I think the winner of the toss will choose the Surrey stools in view of the going advantage.

Never been the same since John Snagge stopped commentating on it.

Apr 4, 2026 -- 2:29PM, Delashay wrote:

My uncle used to dive off Hammersmith bridge!

probably get e coli now

Was years back and he was alright Wonders, watched that just see how it’s changed with all the new buildings

Rumour is they watered the course this morning when they found out that Alun had determined it was good to firm. Has affected the draw as Oxford women had the advantage at the start & led from start to finish.

The stewards enquired into the improved form shown by Oxford. The trainer noted that they were suited by the good to firm river on this occasion. The explanation was noted.

would be better without spectators al...?

they rather spoil it don't they

Quite Wonders. I was needless to say devastated that the World Championship Snooker hasn't been moved to either Saudi or China.

The Saudis wouldn't hesitate to send the typical malodorous flatulent and coughing Crucible patrons to Chop-Chop Square, while hopefully the Chinese authorities could give the tanks some practice on Tianamen Square again.

Oxford trying it on again. Year after year.

oxford dead & buried already

Kick their flatulent backsides Cambridge

this geezer on comms aint got a clue

3l clear will take a bomb scare to turn this around

The comms are watching a different race, probably being streamed by Oxford AI

They’ve romped it! Just trying to keep us watching, I’m out can’t take his voice!

once they cross over in front its finished

Yeah might as well just make it a sprint!

There could be a dramatic reversal [:laugh: be careful don’t catch one light blues, it can go over your head!

Now he says they ain’t gonna stop the Cambridge juggernaut

You'd think Oxford would show a bit of dignity and just stop rowing. They'd be far better off pulling off to the shore and spending s decent bit of wedge at the Fulham Football Club Shop.
.

In days gone by they could have seen the Whacko Jako and Bubbles statue there too!

Get Newcastle University in there instead. Oxford have reduced this once dignified event to an annual unseemly massacre.

In days gone by they could have seen the Whacko Jako and Bubbles statue there too!


Oh my please don't remind me...

Apr 4, 2026 -- 3:42PM, alun2005 wrote:

Get Newcastle University in there instead. Oxford have reduced this once dignified event to an annual unseemly massacre.

I think the better solution is reducing Cambridge to six next year. Or five.

Rico disappointed there was no "first 2" betting

The only bit I watched was a couple of idiots making up a crew of celebrities. I would have paid money to watch that sink.

Reg