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 2003 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 THREE VALLEYS Richard Hughes Roger Charlton Khaled Abdulla 7/1
2 BOTANICAL Frankie Dettori David Loder Sheikh Mohammed 7/2
3 PRIVY SEAL Jimmy Fortune John Gosden Sheikh Mohammed 20/1
4 BARBAJUAN Christophe Soumillon Neville Callaghan Team Havana 16/1
5 FANCY FOXTROT Kieren Fallon Brian Meehan Joe Allbritton 20/1
6 SPANISH ACE Martin Dwyer Andrew Balding Fairleigh Court Racing Partners 14/1
7 SABBEEH Philip Robinson Michael Jarvis Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum 3/1 fav
8 WATERLINE BLUE John Egan David Evans M W Lawrence 150/1
9 NEWTON Mick Kinane Aidan O'Brien Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor 9/2
10 CARLBURG Darryll Holland Clive Brittain Clive Brittain 66/1
11 PARISIENNE Kevin Darley Franck Mourier Mme Elaine Ligerot 66/1
12 DOCKLANDS BRIAN Keith Dalgleish Phil McEntee Franconson Partners 150/1
13 DELLAGIO Adrian Nicholls David Nicholls Mrs J Parvizi 16/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 17th June 2003, and the winner, a chestnut colt by Diesis out of Skiable, won a first prize of £37,700 (equivalent to £61,000 in 2020) Over round 111%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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