Bookmakers William Hill are unable to split Oxford and Cambridge for the 2008 boat race and are currently offering 5/6 for both boats, the first time they have offered the same price since before the Millennium. Hills biggest bet to date is £2000 on Oxford, placed in a Hills shop in Putney. Hills expect the 2008 race to turnover in excess of a million pounds and will be betting throughout the race both online and in their 2000 plus shops.
Following the miserable bank holiday weather, William Hill have seen money for either boat sinking and have cut the price from 50/1 to 33/1. Hills also offer 25/1 that the first Frenchman oarsman in the race will 'catch a crab'.
"We are constantly surprised by how much money is wagered on the boat race and we expect this year to be the busiest on record with both crews so evenly matched," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.
William Hill Boat Race: 5/6 Oxford, 5/6 Cambridge, 100/1 Dead Heat
Specials: 8/1 Record Time
Winning Distance: 11/8 Between Two and Three lengths, 7/4 over three, 2/1 Under two
First Frenchman (Bastien Ripoll) to 'catch a crab': 25/1
Our recommendation is to have a free bet on this race with Ladbrokes, who are offering all Bettingpro readers a free £25 bet if they sign-up via this site. The offer is not advertised on the Ladbrokes site. Click here to see the offer page. As at 8am Saturday 29th March, Ladbrokes are offering 2/5 on Oxford and 7/4 on Cambridge.