Why is Oxford’s second boat called Isis? Why is Cambridge’s second boat called Goldie? What time is the Isis Goldie race? All you need to know about the Boat Race 2017 reserve crews
OXFORD University’s second boat has one of the most controversial names in sport.
But despite Isis now being better known as an Islamic extremist terror organisation, Oxford University Boat Club are refusing to contemplate a name change.
Isis celebrate victory in the 2014 reserve raceGetty Images
Here is everything you need to know about Oxford and Cambridge’s second crews and the Isis Goldie Race.
Why is Oxford’s second boat called Isis?
Isis received its name in 1965 before the first ever Reserve Boat Race against Cambridge.
The crew are named after a stretch of the River Thames that runs through Oxford and is known locally as the River Isis.
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Other businesses in the city named after the river, such as the former Isis Estate Agent, have changed their names, but the university boat club are unlikely to follow suit.
Have Oxford University considered changing the name?
The university has been defiant when questioned about the name in light of the rise of the Islamic State.
In 2014, the Oxford’s director of sport, Jon Roycroft, told The Telegraph: “It is a club matter and I will raise it in ‘any other business’.
“But I would seriously doubt that changing the name of the reserve boat would be considered. It is decades old and is named after the river.
“To change the name would be to pander up to it and would give [the extremists] more publicity than they are worth.”
Why is Cambridge's second boat called Goldie?
Goldie was named after Cambridge University Boat Club's legendary former president John Goldie.
He died in April 1896 at the age of just 47.
The University's boathouse is also named after John Goldie.
The Goldie train ahead of Sunday's race against IsisPA:Press Association
When is the Isis Goldie Race and which reserve crew has won the most races?
The Isis Goldie Race will be held at 5.05pm on Sunday 2nd April, half an hour before the Boat Race 2017, and all the action will be live on BBC One.
Isis won the inaugural race between the two crews in 1965 but Goldie have had the upper hand since then.
The Cambridge reserve crew have won 29 races, compared to Oxford's 22.
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