 Cambridge won the toss and elected to start from the Surrey station, handing the Middlesex side of the river to Oxford. Umpire Payne started the race "in perfect conditions of a south-easterly breeze and with sun shining through a light mist" at 11 a.m in front of "a vast crowd, fully up to pre-war standards". Followed by six launches and a helicopter overhead, Oxford led from the start, and were half a length clear of the Light Blues by the time they passed Craven Steps. Marginally out-rating Cambridge, Oxford passed the Mile Post two and a half lengths ahead and allowed their stroke rate to drop, still maintaining their lead at Hammersmith Bridge. Cambridge spurted at The Doves pub and reduced the deficit marginally but by HMS Stork, the Light Blues were visibly tired and allowed Oxford to draw away once more.
