Cambridge wins first Varsity Horserace

A Cambridge student has won the inaugural Varsity Horserace which saw the UK’s two famous feuding universities go head-to-head.

Hard work

Ten jockeys from Cambridge and Oxford took part in the race on Dubai Future Champions Day at Rowley Mile course, Newmarket. Kate Walter was first across the line riding Ocean Applause, a horse trained by John Ryan in Newmarket.

“I can’t believe I won,” said Kate who is studying veterinary medicine at Newnham College. “What a day, we’ve all worked so hard for this, I’m just so happy to have won.”

One length behind her was fellow Cambridge student Evie Hampson, riding Phosphorescence, while Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune from Oxford was third.

Brilliant day

Cambridge also took the team title, winning the Bearsted Perpetual Challenge Trophy.

“It’s fantastic to have won, what a brilliant day for all involved,” said Oli Lawrence, captain of the winning team. “I hope this becomes a permanent event on the Oxbridge calendar.”

Historic trophy

Although this was the first Varsity Horserace, the trophy dates back to the 1930s when Oxbridge students competed in a point-to-point race.

It was donated by Cheltenham chairman Robert Waley-Cohen, the son-in-law of Lord Bearsted who won the race a number of times. Robert donated the trophy on the proviso it was named after his father-in-law.