Preview: Oxford vs. Cambridge Goat Race

Dean Nicholas
By Dean Nicholas Last edited 176 months ago

Last Updated 01 April 2010

Preview: Oxford vs. Cambridge Goat Race

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Image by Ben Mason

Forget watching a rum bunch of bemuscled hoo-ray Henrys rowing down the Thames: the only race worth tuning in to this weekend takes place at Spitalfields City Farm, where the annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Goat Race will be decided.

The premise is simple: two chirpy capras, each named for one of those august institutions of higher learning, will canter along a "tough, meandering course" through the farm, each vying to bring home the bacon for his respective university. Interestingly, this year it's a family affair: the two beasts are siblings, lending a complex psychology to each participants' preparation.

Proceedings begin at 2.30pm on Saturday, 3rd April, there's the all-important weigh-in at 3pm, there's a "Goatee Knitting Race" at 3.30, and the starter's horn for the big race itself will sound at 4.30. Entry is £3, and note the strict dress code: "Black Tie, Rowing lycra, boat club jackets and ties, or goat". The Bruncheon Club will be on hand to provde nibbles, but any wag asking for a portion of goat curry will be sent packing.