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 1988 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 HIGH ESTATE Steve Cauthen Sir Henry Cecil H J Joel 10/11 fav
2 DANCING DISSIDENT Walter Swinburn Sir Michael Stoute Sheikh Mohammed 3/1
3 SHARP 'N EARLY Brian Rouse Richard Hannon A F Budge Equine 66/1
4 STONE FLAKE John Reid Paul Kelleway Arthur Williams 15/2
5 LOVISTONE Ray Cochrane Peter Walwyn Lord Clinton 66/1
6 SNO SERENADE Michael Roberts Ron Boss Mrs Judi Gold 14/1
7 CARDINAL SIN Michael Hills Barry Hills Hon Mrs J Corbett 16/1
8 CRONK'S COURAGE Pat Eddery Geoff Lewis Cronk's Garages Ltd 12/1
9 ALMOST BLUE John Carroll Jack Berry A Shelton 66/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 14th June 1988, and the winner, a bay colt by Shirley Heights out of Regal Beauty, won a first prize of £21,582 (equivalent to £59,000 in 2020) Over round 114%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
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