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 1969 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 PRINCE TENDERFOOT W Williamson P Prendergast Mrs Parker Poe 15/8 fav
2 CONSTITUTIONAL Johnny Seagrave W Elsey Mr H Joel 7/1
3 SAINTLY SONG Barclay Murless Mr S Joel 3/1
4 PINOY W Carson Goodwill Mr C B Lomax 33/1
5 TOWN MAJOR J Mercer W Hern Mrs John Hislop 6/1
6 KINGS FLAME F Durr M Jarvis Mr David Robinson 10/1
7 TENNESSEE A Murray Doug Smith Lady Hardy 100/8
8 MAJOR MYSTERY E Hide P Nelson Sir B Mountain 100/6
9 MOONTOWN B Taylor J Winter Mr D Prenn 20/1
10 WILD IRISH J Higgins Hardy Mr Jack Hardy 33/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 17th June 1969, and the winner, a bay colt by Blue Prince out of La Tendresse, won a first prize of £4938 (equivalent to £83,000 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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