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 1958 Group 2 5 furlongs 136 yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 HIEROGLYPH W Carr Boyd-Rochfort Mrs J Hanes 10/1
2 TABOUN J Massard Alec Head Prince Aly Khan 11/2
3 NEW WARRIOR S Clayton W Hern Major L B Holliday 7/1
4 TARANTELLE J Mercer R J Colling Lord Astor 100/7
5 GREAT MOGUL W Snaith F Armstrong Gaekwar of Baroda 20/1
6 SALONIUM E Smith P Thrale Lt-Col J Brownlow 20/1
7 INDIGENOUS D Smith O'Donoghue Mr T Grimes 8/1
8 BELAFONTE W Rickaby Cottrill Mr S Joel 100/7
9 PAL FAST P Robinson H Wragg Begum Aga Khan 10/1
10 CARRIGEEN DUFF J Eddery S McGrath Mr J McGrath 7/1
11 SWISS ROAD E Mercer J Jarvis Lord Milford 3/1 fav
12 SELDAM J Egan J Jarvis Mr L Mills 100/7
13 BLEEP L Piggott Murless Sir V Sassoon 20/1
14 WINNING MOVE Breasley N Bertie Mr R Watson 20/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 17th June 1958, and the winner, a bay colt by Heliopolis out of Pocket Edition, won a first prize of £2674 (equivalent to £64,000 in 2020) Over round 134%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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