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 1971 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 SUN PRINCE J Mercer W Hern Mr Michael Sobell 20/1
2 AVANCER R Hutchinson H Wragg Mr J Lilley 33/1
3 WISHING STAR W Williamson P Davey Mr David Robinson 11/2
4 EREBUS J Gorton Doug Smith Lord Rosebery 28/1
5 SLADY CASTLE L Piggott M V O'Brien Mr J Mulcahy 5/4 fav
6 SHOOLERVILLE J Lindley Armstrong Mrs J Bryce 2/1
7 MERCIA BOY G Lewis W Marshall Mr G Van Der Ploeg 25/1
8 BRIGHT BLUE P Cook Mrs Lomax Mrs C Elliot 33/1
9 SHAMSAN G Starkey H Thomson-Jones Mr J King 33/1
10 SOVEREIGN QUEST R P Elliott Hollowell Mr P Brown 33/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 15th June 1971, and the winner, a chestnut colt by Princely Gift out of Costa Sol, won a first prize of £5393 (equivalent to £78,000 in 2020) Over round 116%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
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1970 1971