 Cambridge won the toss and elected to start from the Middlesex station . Just prior to the race , Oxford had suggested a foreshortening of the course , in order to avoid both crews having to pass through the narrow arches of Barnes Bridge ; this was rejected by Cambridge and the conventional course was rowed . After a close start , Oxford pulled ahead and held a half @-@ length lead by the time they passed the Star and Garter pub . By Hammersmith Bridge , the Oxford crew began to slow , their cox made an error in steering and Cambridge began to reduce the deficit . At Chiswick Eyot the crews were level once again , and Cambridge started to draw away . Several lengths ahead by Barnes Bridge , Cambridge won by around 60 seconds . The result meant that Cambridge led overall with seven victories to Oxford 's two . 
