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 1903 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 ST AMANT Kempton Cannon Alfred Hayhoe Leopold De Rothschild 5/1
2 LANCASHIRE Lyne Allen Mr J R Keene 20/1
3 BITTERS Morny Cannon John Porter Mr F Alexander 2/1 fav
4 ORTOLAN Herbert Jones Richard Marsh HM The King 20/1
5 MUSQUETON W Halsey H Enoch Mr Douglas Baird 100/8
6 HERBERT VINCENT J H Martin Huggins Mr Richard Croker 20/1
7 LOCHRYAN J Watts John Ryan Mr J H Houldsowrth 20/1
8 RIGHTAWAY colt Miller Major Beatty Mr H De La Rue 20/1
9 JOHN O'GAUNT G Thursby Duke Sir J Thursby 9/4 fav
10 GOLDEN TOUCH Danny Maher Richard Marsh Lord Wolverton 20/1
11 SCUTTLER Boardman H Chandler Mr A Cohen 20/1
12 VERGIA W Lane Webb Mr Jersey 100/7
13 ARMEN Randall Huggins Mr W C Whitney 20/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 16th June 1903 and the winner, a bay colt by St Frusquin out of Lady Loverule, won a first prize was 1741 sovereigns (equivalent to £216,000 in 2020) Over round 134%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899
1900 1901 1902 1903