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 1957 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 AMERIGO E Smith J A Waugh Lord Howard De Walden 7/4 fav
2 TRIMMER W Snaith Cottrill Major L B Holliday 5/2
3 BALLRULLAH J Eddery S McGrath Mr J McGrath 9/1
4 PARIDEL E Britt Elsey Mr Phil Bull 100/6
5 FAIR JOURNEY J Winter John Oxx Sir G Clark 100/9
6 GAY NICHOLAS B Swift Davison Mr G Graham 20/1
7 ERAZE L Piggott Murless Mr T Lilley 100/8
8 WESTERLANDS DIVER W Carr Stickley Mrs Florence Nagle 20/1
9 CASEY J Purtell C Jerdein Mr Atty Persse 100/7
10 MANIART S Clayton M Marsh Senora R De Romero 20/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 18th June 1957, and the winner, a chestnut colt by Nearco out of Sanlinea, won a first prize of £2674 (equivalent to £75,000 in 2020) Over round 119%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
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