Girl power was the definite winner at yesterday ’ s historic Boat Race as women rowed on the same course and same day as the men for the first time . Oxford University women ’ s rowing team beat Cambridge – inspiring their male colleagues to win for the third time running in the 161st race . The women ’ s race has been held since 1927 further up river at Henley , but after years of campaigning for equal billing , they were finally given equality with the men . Scroll down for video . Water babes : Oxford 's women 's team made history and competed alongside the men for the first time . Joy : Oxford , who entered the race as favourites , took an early lead and finished more than six lengths ahead . Oxford , who entered the race as favourites , took the lead within the first few minutes and never looked like losing it . They finished six-and-a-half lengths and 19 seconds ahead . The team ’ s performance was undoubtedly boosted by American Olympic Gold medallist and world champion Caryn Davies , who was the most experienced rower – male or female – on the river . She said winning had been tougher than the Olympics . ‘ It hurts a lot , ’ she added . Cox Jennifer Ehr had told her colleagues before the start of the race : ‘ Let ’ s do this for everyone who made it happen . Let ’ s make history today. ’ There were scenes of tears and jubilation when the victorious women were helped out of their boat . Team captain Anastasia Chitty said it had been ‘ humbling ’ to win on the same course as the men . ‘ It ’ s just amazing . It ’ s a really special moment , ’ she said . Oxford ’ s preparations had been far from smooth . Ten days ago , the crew had to be rescued by the RNLI when their boat sank during a training session . Huge crowds watched yesterday ’ s event , which will transform perceptions of the women ’ s race , meaning that its days as the poor relation are well and truly over . Winners : Anastasia Chitty , president of the Oxford University Women 's Boat Club , celebrates today 's win .
Women competed on same course as men and on same day for first place . The women ’ s rowing has been held since 1927 further up river at Henley . Oxford University women ’ s rowing team beat women on historic occasions . And male crews won for the third time ever in the 161st race .