In theory Oxford should have had it all their own way in 1876. While they had no less than six of their 1875 winning crew still available, Cambridge only had two.

One of the Oxford difficulties probably lay in their rowing order. Marriott, one of their best strokes, rowed at 7, while Edwards-Moss, a first class number 7 stroked their boat, from bow side, and by all accounts was a very poor stroke.

Cambridge initially had to build up a fresh crew but training went well. It is often suggested that as they were one of the best crews that Cambridge had boated until then, but examination of the contemporary newspapers suggests that this was a view held only after the race was finished, although the betting put them as strong favourites before the start.

It was a bright sunny day for the race with a good tide (which by the time of the race had slackened considerably) and a moderate south-west wind. Oxford won the toss and chose Middlesex. Contemporary reports suggest that the Surrey station was full in the tide and that Middlesex were in the slack water under the Fulham Wall, suggesting that the position of the stake boats in those days was much closer to Middlesex.

While Cambridge moved off quickly from the start, Oxford hesitated and Cambridge immediately grabbed their chance and moved into the lead, never to lose it again.

It was noticeable that while Cambridge were rowing a slower steadier and longer stroke, that of their rivals was rather irregular . They steadily increased to gain a few feet of clear water by the Crabtree and at Hammersmith Bridge there was a good 1 1/2 lengths lead for Cambridge. This was further increased to some three lengths at Chiswick Eyot and at least this (probably nearer 5 lengths) by Barnes Bridge.

The finish is recorded in one of the contemporary newspapers: ‘A last despairing effort from the dark blues died out before they breasted the White Hart, whence they merely paddled in, hopelessly beaten and eased off at the Ship, their coxswain having seemingly forgotten that the actual winning post was stationed some 150 yd. further up, to compensate for the difference between the aqueduct and the starting place. Cambridge on seeing the others stop, also eased up, quite eight lengths ahead, and drifted past the flag post thereby giving the time-keepers some trouble; but according to our estimate, which was taken from the report of the gun, the whole distance was accomplished in 20 minutes 19 seconds [20 seconds in the official record]’

The distance between the crews was officially described as ‘Easily’. It is sometimes suggested that the actual distance this year was about 60 yards longer than the correct Championship Course. This demonstrate the rather haphazard nature of the course setting at this stage not helped by the mass of lighters moored by the finish to accommodate the crowds.