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 2002 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 STATUE OF LIBERTY Mick Kinane Aidan O'Brien Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor 5/2 fav
2 PAKHOES Pat Smullen Dermot Weld Bertram R Firestone 16/1
3 KAWAGINO Paul Doe Nerys Duffield K J Pike 33/1
4 COCONUT PENANG Steve Drowne Rod Millman Mrs A K H Ooi 7/1
5 ROYAL BEACON Kevin Darley Mark Johnston Tweenhills Racing 12/1
6 MEMBERSHIP Frankie Dettori Clive Brittain Saeed Manana 25/1
7 TIZZY MAY Pat Eddery Richard Hannon J R May 12/1
8 SIR EDWIN LANDSEER Jamie Spencer Paul Cole Richard Green 20/1
9 SPARTACUS Johnny Murtagh Aidan O'Brien Mrs John Magnier 11/2
10 TACITUS Richard Hughes Richard Hannon Royal Ascot Racing Club 4/1
11 WESTERN FLING Kieren Fallon Ian Balding George Strawbridge 10/1
12 SURBITON Michael Hills Barry Hills Mrs Belinda Harvey 20/1
13 WISE PETORIUS Tony Culhane Michael Chapman R J Hayward 100/1
14 LOGISTICAL Martin Dwyer William Muir Mike Caddy & Brian Moss 66/1
15 THE KIDDYKID Neil Callan David Evans Mrs Claire Massey 33/1
16 LEITRIM ROCK Jimmy Fortune Brian Meehan Gallagher Equine Ltd 50/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 18th June 2002, and the winner, a bay colt by Storm Cat out of Charming Lassie, won a first prize of £34,800 (equivalent to £58,000 in 2020) Over round 131%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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