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 1968 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 MURRAYFIELD G Lewis I Balding Mrs P Hastings 15/2
2 ROYAL SMOKE F Durr F Armstrong Mr I Allen 8/1
3 WHISTLING TOP Barclay Budgett Brig Sir J Darell 11/2
4 DUTCH BELLS A Murray H R Price Mr G Van De Ploeg 10/1
5 HAPPY GUY L Piggott Ingham Mr K Dodson 5/2 fav
6 RIBOMAR J Mercer D Candy Major H Holt 100/8
7 MILLIAC Johnny Seagrave H Rohan Mr B Jenks 100/7
8 HARDATIT W Williamson R Smyth Mr C Sweeny 100/7
9 PRINCE DAVY R Hutchinson Todd Mrs A Hurlstone 100/6
10 AFFRIC B Taylor R Houghton Mr H Willis 20/1
11 STUDIOUS J Lindley Todd Mr G Todd 20/1
12 SEANCE G Cadwaladr T Molony Mr A Helaissi 33/1
13 ELFOLD R Dicey Mrs F Nagle Miss F Newton-Deakin 33/1
14 LINGOT Breasley John Winter Mr D Prenn 33/1
15 CINDY'S SON K Mitchell J F Watts Mr F Ysmael 33/1
16 ARCTIC ACE E Hide Jack Hardy Mr Jack Hardy 33/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 18th June 1968, and the winner, a brown colt by Match out of Erisca, won a first prize of £4757 (equivalent to £84,000 in 2020) Over round 128%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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