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  Oxford win thrilling university boat race
Updated 06 April 2003, 17.05
Oxford have won the boat race - but only just
Oxford won the University Boat Race in one of the closest finishes ever seen.

Oxford were well in front with the finish in sight, but Cambridge were flying across the water.

Under extreme pressure Oxford managed to hold on, but only just - by less than a metre.

Fact File
The University Boat Race
Takes place on the Thames every year
First race was in 1829
Course is 6.8km
The "cox" does not row but shouts instructions
Traditionally they are thrown into the water after the race
Oxford wear dark blue
Cambridge wear light blue
That's the closest finish ever, excluding a dead heat more than 100 years ago.

Oxford covered the 4.25 mile course in 18 minutes and six seconds.

The race was unique because there were two sets of brothers in the race, the Livingstons and the Smiths.

Oxford and Cambridge's race presidents, Matt Smith (left) and Tim Wooge
Oxford and Cambridge's race presidents, Matt Smith (left) and Tim Wooge
And all those brothers were against each other, with Matt Smith and David Livingston in the Oxford boat and Ben Smith and James Livingston rowing for Cambridge.

The first race was way back in 1829, and Cambridge still lead the series by 77 races to 72, with on dead heat.

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