Centuries old rivalries between Oxford and Cambridge will be put to a new test this autumn when student riders will go head-to-head in the first-ever Flat race between the two Universities at Newmarket’s historic Rowley Mile course on Dubai Future Champions Day.
Sporting competition between the two seats of learning has been a feature since the first annual Boat Race in 1829 but, until now, the two Universities have never faced each other on the racecourse, despite both boasting active equestrian clubs.
This is about to change when five riders from each University will don racing colours in the distinctive blues made famous by other sporting rivalries, including Rugby Union and Rugby League Varsity Matches.
The Oxbridge race will be the last on a prestigious card of seven top-class races as part of Dubai Future Champions Day at the historic HQ of Horseracing. Newmarket is also home to over 3,000 racehorses and hosts the first two Classics of the Flat season.
Seven riders from each University are now undergoing training at the town’s British Racing School and Oaksey House in Lambourn in order to prepare them for the rigors of race riding over eight furlongs at the Rowley Mile. Final jockey selections will be announced in early October.
Oli Lawrence, captain of the Cambridge team who is studying Earth Sciences at Gonville and Caius College, commented: “I am honoured to be captaining the first ever horse racing team for Cambridge – it’s brilliant addition to the existing varsity sporting competitions and one that hopefully will be part of history for years to come. I hope all my fellow students get behind us and come along to support this event.”
Lizzy Hamilton, captain of the Oxford team who is studying Chemistry at Christchurch College said: “I cannot wait to take part in the Varsity horse race – it’s a superb initiative. Rivalry between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge goes back so many centuries and we cannot wait to compete against Cambridge on the racecourse”
