Royal Ascot: Coventry Stakes

The event was established in 1890, and it was named after the 9th Earl of Coventry, George William Coventry, born 9th May 1838, a Conservative politician, Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms, and who Master of the Buckhounds from 1886-1892 and again from 1895 to 1901. The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and for a period the Coventry Stakes was classed at Group 3 level. It was promoted to Group 2 status in 2004. It is usually contested on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting.
Early history:-The Prince and Princess of Wales were in attendance on Tuesday 17th June 1890 for the inaugural running of the Coventry Stakes worth £1,823 to the winner. Excessive rain fell until noon, but it was fine when the 19 runners lined up for the Coventry Stakes over 6 furlongs. After repeated attempts the flag fell to a level start and, although the field was large, the race developed into a match between Siphonia (100/15) and The Deemster (9/4 fav) owned by Mr J B Leigh, with the favourite, ridden by Robinson, getting his head in front on the line to win by a head, with Grace Emily (20/1) three lengths back in third.
Coventry Stakes 1894 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 WHISTON S Chandley James Waugh 2-9st 0lbs Mr Dobell 100/6
2 SAINTLY Bradford Blackwell 2-8st 11lbs Mr Daniel Cooper 4/1 fav
3 GALINNE Allsopp John Dawson snr 2-8st 11lbs Mr Wallace Johnstone 20/1
4 TARPORLEY Morny Cannon John Porter 2-9st 0lbs Duke of Westminster 8/1
5 CHASSEUR John Watts John Ryan 2-9st 0lbs Mr Douglas Baird 100/12
6 BECKHAMPTON G Barrett Wadlow 2-9st 0lbs Mr A D Cochrane 6/1
7 HUMPHREY CLINKER Calder Humphreys 2-9st 0lbs Lady Mabel Sievier 9/2
8 BRIARDALE F Finlay Bates 2-9st 0lbs Sir R Jardine 10/1
9 DROSS George Chaloner C Waugh 2-9st 0lbs Prince Soltykoff 100/6
10 GALLEOTTIA F Pratt John Ryan 2-8st 11lbs Mr Fairie (aka A W Cox) 100/7
11 ORIENTAL PRINCESS Rickaby Hobbs 2-8st 11lbs Mr E Hobson 20/1
12 JAUNTING CAR Tommy Loates James Jewitt 2-8st 11lbs Mr H McCalmont 20/1
13 LA SAGESSE Sam Loates Martin Gurry 2-8st 11lbs Sir J Miller 100/8
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 19th June 1894 and the winner, a chesnut colt by Prism, won a first prize was 1970 sovereigns from 97 subscribers (equivalent to £256,000 in 2020) Over round 126%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894