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 1965 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 YOUNG EMPEROR L Piggott P Prendergast Mrs P Poe 9/4 fav
2 AT-A-VENTURE P Robinson Wharton Major L B Holliday 20/1
3 BULL DANCER W Williamson H Thomson-Jones Mr S Joel 3/1
4 THE RITZ J Mercer W Hern Mr T Egerton 6/1
5 RUNNING WORDS R Hutchinson J Jarvis Mr J Phillips 4/1
6 LEADING SILK S Clayton Boyd-Rochfort HM The Queen 100/8
7 CORINTO G Starkey H Wragg Mr G Oldham 100/8
8 CREPALIA W Rickaby R Day Mr J W-Evans 100/8
9 REPUBLIC J Lindley J Tree Mr Charles Engelhard 100/7
10 BABANTI E Smith A Goodwill Mr A Beech 25/1
11 GUY Breasley F Maxwell Mr Boothby 25/1
12 GREAT BOY G Bougoure Spencer Dr J Lewis 25/1
13 HAYWOOD COMET W Swinburn Hooton Mr R Old 25/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 15th June 1965, and the winner, a grey colt by Grey Sovereign out of Young Empress, won a first prize of £5069 (equivalent to £100,000 in 2020) Over round 141%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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