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 1987 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 ALWAYS FAIR W Swinburn M Stoute Maktoum Al Maktoum 9/2
2 OAKWORTH B Thomson J W Watts Mr Brian Haggas 9/1
3 SHIP OF FOOLS R Cochrane R Williams Mr C Wright 7/1
4 DIGAMIST P Eddery J Tree K Abdulla 15/2
5 BORDER GUARD C Asmussen B Hills Mr R Sangster 16/1
6 GRAND TIER S Cauthen H Cecil Lord Howard De Walden 15/8 fav
7 TIME SHARE J Reid R Houghton Mr R Crutchley 14/1
8 SHERJAN T Ives L Piggott Mrs S Khan 16/1
9 ARMY OF STARS G Starkey C Brittain Mr W Gredley 20/1
10 SHARP ORDER B Raymond P Kelleway Mr R Whalley 25/1
11 DIRECTOR'S CHOICE W Newnes D A Wilson Mr P Scarborough 33/1
12 GREAT CHADDINGTON P Cook J Berry Mr C Fry 66/1
13 SAVAHRA SOUND B Rouse R Hannon A Budge Equine 66/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 16th June 1987, and the winner, a bay colt by Danzig out of Carduel, won a first prize of £31,518 (equivalent to £91,000 in 2020) Over round 119%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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