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Boat Race umpire explains why he refused to disqualify Oxford for breaking the rules
Women’s Boat Race umpire Matthew Pinsent has explained why the Oxford crew wasn’t disqualified despite an apparent breach of the rules. Just two minutes in, the race was halted after the Oxford boat drifted into the path of its rivals.
The oars clashed on the River Thames, and a disqualification seemed on the cards. However, rather than award Cambridge the win, they were instead given a third-of-a-length advantage when the race restarted. It mattered little as they went on to retain their title, but pundits still questioned the decision.
