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- Cambridge 1/7 favourites for men’s race as they chase fourth straight win
- Oxford women 1/3 favourites despite losing last year’s race
- Historic event takes place Saturday, April 4 along the River Thames
Historic Thames Showdown Returns on Saturday
One of British sport’s most iconic traditions returns this weekend, with the 2026 Boat Race set to take place along the River Thames on Saturday, April 4.
In a break from tradition, this year’s event moves away from its usual Sunday slot, with racing scheduled to align with optimal tidal conditions, ensuring crews benefit from the fastest possible current.
The 80th women’s race will precede the 171st men’s race, with both Oxford and Cambridge once again battling for bragging rights in front of thousands of spectators lining the riverbanks.
Boat Race 2026 Schedule
- Women’s Race: 2:21pm
- Women’s Reserves: 2:36pm
- Men’s Reserves: 2:51pm
- Men’s Race: 3:21pm
The adjusted timings ensure crews race with the strongest tide, adding another tactical dimension to an already demanding contest.
Men’s Boat Race Odds
| Men’s Boat Race Winner 2026 | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | 1/7 | 87.50% |
| Oxford | 7/2 | 22.22% |
| Dead Heat | 100/1 | 0.99% |
Cambridge enter the men’s race as overwhelming favourites at 1/7, reflecting both recent results and current form.
The Light Blues have won the last three editions, including a commanding 5½-length victory in 2025, and will be aiming to extend that streak to four in a row.
Their recent dominance has made them a popular pick across UK betting sites, with bookmakers giving Oxford a significant task to turn the tide this year.
Oxford, priced at 7/2, will need a standout performance to upset the odds, but the unpredictable nature of the race means an upset cannot be completely ruled out.
Women’s Boat Race Odds
| Women’s Boat Race Winner 2026 | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford Women | 1/3 | 75.00% |
| Cambridge Women | 15/8 | 34.78% |
| Dead Heat | 100/1 | 0.99% |
Oxford Women head into the race at 1/3, despite not having won the event since 2016.
They came close last year, losing by 2½ lengths, and bookmakers appear confident they can go one better this time around.
Cambridge Women, priced at 15/8, will be aiming to defend their crown and continue their recent edge in the fixture, setting up what could be the more competitive of the two races.
What the expert says...
Where To Bet on the Boat Race
The Boat Race continues to attract interest across UK Betting Sites, with straightforward markets on race winners and margins.
Punters can often take advantage of free bets and enhanced odds around major UK sporting events, even for traditional contests like this.
