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 1993 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 STONEHATCH John Reid Peter Chapple-Hyam Robert Sangster Evens Fav
2 POLISH LAUGHTER Walter Swinburn Ben Hanbury Juma Hamaid 16/1
3 WAJIBA RIVA Pat Eddery Richard Hannon The Winning Team 5/2
4 SHARP PHASE J Behan L Browne Marvin Malmuth 25/1
5 CRAZY PAVING Michael Roberts Charles Cyzer R M Cyzer 6/1
6 CANASKA DANCER Alan Munro Paul Kelleway Mrs June Sifton 16/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 15th June 1993, and the winner, a chestnut colt by Storm Bird out of Lively Living, won a first prize of £26,766 (equivalent to £56,000 in 2020) Over round 109%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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