The Boat Race 1926

Umpired by former rower Frederick I. Pitman, Cambridge won by five lengths in a time of 19 minutes 29 seconds in the largest winning margin since 1912.

According to former Oxford rower and author George Drinkwater, the Light Blues "showed great promise" only to be struck by measles, forcing a late replacement in the boat.

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

[14] In conditions described by Drinkwater as "excellent" with "smooth water but only a moderate tide", Pitman started the race at 12:27 pm.

As the crews passed the Mile Post, the Dark Blues held a small lead which they had extended to around half a length by Harrods Furniture Depository.

Cambridge made a push and reduced the deficit to a quarter-length by the time the boats passed below Hammersmith Bridge.

[14][15] The Dark Blues' rhythm faltered and their number five missed a stroke as they passed Chiswick Eyot, allowing Cambridge to move away to take a clear lead.