The Boat Race 1872

In a race umpired by Robert Lewis-Lloyd, Cambridge won by two lengths in a time of 21 minutes 15 seconds taking the overall record to 16–13 in Oxford's favour.

[4] During the build-up to the race, Oxford's boat club president, Robert Lesley of Pembroke College,[5] strained his side and was prohibited from practice.

[9][11] While sliding seats had started to come to prominence, having been first used by a crew from Pembroke College, Goldie was reluctant to allow them to be tried for the race and disallowed the Light Blue boat manufacturer Harry Clasper from fitting them.

[15] The race started at 1.35 p.m. "in the teeth of a bitter north-easterly gale and snow-storm",[7] and proved uneventful with the Light Blues winning by two lengths in a time of 21 minutes 15 seconds.

[4] Partway through the race, Goldie had broken a bolt in his rigging; although he could no longer contribute to the power of the Light Blue boat, he continued to stroke and provide the required rhythm to lead Cambridge to the victory.