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 1959 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 MARTIAL W Swinburn P Prendergast Mr R Webster 11/10 fav
2 BLAST George Moore Budgett Mr R R-Watson 20/1
3 RUNNING BLUE E Mercer J Jarvis Mr J Phillips 100/6
4 MOZART E Hide Elsey Mr Phil Bull 100/9
5 RISING DAWN J Mercer R J Colling Mr Charles Clore 20/1
6 NEVER IN DOUBT S Clayton W Hern Major L B Holliday 20/1
7 LE PATRON W Snaith Cottrill Mr S Joel 20/1
8 MEMORABLE W Rickaby Day Mrs R McAlpine 11/4
9 VAL DORE D Smith G Brooke Major D McCalmont 100/8
10 RADIATION G Lewis W Smyth Duke of Norfolk 20/1
11 OFF KEY L Piggott Murless Sir V Sassoon 100/8
12 LIGHT STAR K Gethin P Thrale Baron De Nyeveli 20/1
13 DECLINED G Littlewood E Davey Mr E Davey 20/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 16th June 1959, and the winner, a chestnut colt by Hill Gail out of Discipliner, won a first prize of £2382 (equivalent to £57,000 in 2020) Over round 140%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
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