text: Girl power was the definite winner at yesterday’s historic Boat Race as women rowed on the same course and same day as the men for the first time. Oxford University women’s rowing team beat Cambridge – inspiring their male colleagues to win for the third time running in the 161st race. The women’s race has been held since 1927 further up river at Henley, but after years of campaigning for equal billing, they were finally given equality with the men. Scroll down for video . Water babes: Oxford's women's team made history and competed alongside the men for the first time . Joy: Oxford, who entered the race as favourites, took an early lead and finished more than six lengths ahead . Oxford, who entered the race as favourites, took the lead within the first few minutes and never looked like losing it. They finished six-and-a-half lengths and 19 seconds ahead. The team’s performance was undoubtedly boosted by American Olympic Gold medallist and world champion Caryn Davies, who was the most experienced rower – male or female – on the river. She said winning had been tougher than the Olympics. ‘It hurts a lot,’ she added. Cox Jennifer Ehr had told her colleagues before the start of the race: ‘Let’s do this for everyone who made it happen. Let’s make history today.’ There were scenes of tears and jubilation when the victorious women were helped out of their boat. Team captain Anastasia Chitty said it had been ‘humbling’ to win on the same course as the men. ‘It’s just amazing. It’s a really special moment,’ she said. Oxford’s preparations had been far from smooth. Ten days ago, the crew had to be rescued by the RNLI when their boat sank during a training session. Huge crowds watched yesterday’s event, which will transform perceptions of the women’s race, meaning that its days as the poor relation are well and truly over. Winners: Anastasia Chitty, president of the Oxford University Women's Boat Club, celebrates today's win .
target: Women competed on same course as men and on same day for first time .
  The women’s race has been held since 1927 further up river at Henley .
  Oxford University women’s rowing team beat Cambridge on historic day .
  And male colleagues won for the third time running in the 161st race .