The Boat Race 1903

[11] Oxford's crew contained four rowers with Boat Race experience, including A. de L. Long who was rowing in his third consecutive event.

Cambridge saw six rowers return from the 1902 crew, including W. H. Chapman, H. B. Grylls, C. W. H. Taylor and R. H. Nelson, all of whom were taking part in their third Boat Race.

[11][13] Oxford won the toss and elected to start from the Surrey station, handing the Middlesex side of the river to Cambridge.

", Cambridge squared their blades and were dragged away from their stakeboat, and rowed on despite Pitman failing to correctly discharge the starter pistol.

Somewhat dismayed by the disadvantageous start, author and the number seven for this year's race George Drinkwater stated they "rowed like a beaten crew from the first stroke.