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 1921 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 PONDOLAND J Shatwell De Mestre Mr Solly Joel 5/4 fav
2 DRAKES DRUM A Smith Fred Darling Lord Glanely 100/6
3 REECHO A Balding P P Gilpin Sir Ernest Paget 5/1
4 DRY TOAST Brownie Carslake Atty Persse Mr J Arkwright 9/2
5 SUN CURE F Leach Leach Mr S W Beer 20/1
6 NORTH END A Whalley W A Jarvis Mr F Bibby 20/1
7 SILPHO J Brennan Lines Major L Holliday 8/1
8 POLEMBERG F Lane Alf Sadler jnr Lord Lonsdale 100/6
9 VILLARS G Bellhouse Linton Mr Walter Raphael 20/1
10 INNS OF COURT Michael Beary Cottrill Colonel Spencer 20/1
11 ONLY SON R Stokes Nugent Mr E I Short 20/1
12 IRISH COUSIN F Bullock Reg Day Sir Abe Bailey 100/6
13 GALLIROGUE colt Joe Childs Alec Taylor Mr W Cazalet 20/1
14 DARK FOX W Lister Reg Day Mr D Fraser 20/1
15 FIREFIEND Steve Donoghue Moreton Mr Jim Joel 100/6
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 14th June 1921 and the winner, a brown colt by Pommern out of Gourouli, won a first prize was 1715 sovereigns (equivalent to £91,000 in 2020) Over round 148%
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 1917 1918 1919
1920 1921