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 1972 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 PERDU J Lindley T Corbett Mr A Holland 16/1
2 NETHERKELLY W Williamson P Davey Mr David Robinson 3/1
3 STARBOARD BUOY G Lewis D Weld Lt-Comm E Collard 13/2
4 WOHURST B Taylor D Hanley Mrs E Richards 33/1
5 CLAUDIUS L Piggott Oxley Capt J Macdonald-Buchanan 8/11 fav
6 APPLE KING B Connorton E Collingwood Mr H Price 11/1
7 RED HALO A Murray Wallington Mr G Van Der Ploeg 33/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 20th June 1972, and the winner, a brown colt by Linacre out of Love-in-the-Mist, won a first prize of £4864 (equivalent to £66,000 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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