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.
New Coventry Stakes 1916 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 DIADEM J H Martin George Lambton Lord Abernan 10/1
2 GOLDEN MAID Morny Wing Sam Pickering Mr P Nelke 100/6
3 LLEWELLYN Herbert Jones Richard Marsh HM The King 100/6
4 MARGARETHAL Joe Childs R C Dawson Mr E Hulton 9/4 fav
5 SVINDUNE Henri Jelliss T Waugh Mr F Bibby 100/6
6 NORTH STAR F Bullock Morton Mr Jim Joel 100/8
7 TOM FOOL E Wheatley Alf Sadler jnr Mr P Ralli 100/6
8 TAGRAP Steve Donoghue Atty Persse Mr Walter Raphael 3/1
9 POLYMITE Dave Dick T Waugh Mr Russel 100/6
10 SURFWEED colt Wal Griggs Sherwood jnr Mr Robert Sherwood 100/7
11 MARCHETTA filly Fred Rickaby George Lambton Lord Derby 9/2
12 SUNSET GLOW A Whalley Watson Captain E De Rothschild 100/9
The Coventry Stakes took place on Thursday 22nd June 1916 at Newmarket Racecourse and the winner, a chestnut filly by Orby out of Donetta, won a first prize was 1000 sovereigns (equivalent to £89,000 in 2020) Over round 136%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909
1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916