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 1962 Group 2 6 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 CROCKET Doug Smith G Brooke Mr D Van Clief 9/4 fav
2 HAPPY OMEN Joe Mercer W Hern Major L B Holliday 6/1
3 KING'S CASE Eric Eldin Cottrill Mr F Betts 8/1
4 BLACKJACK E Smith Lambton Mr G Lambton 5/1
5 MARSHALL GREY P Boothman Fetherstonhaugh Mr C Rogers 13/2
6 HYACINTHE W Williamson H Wragg Mrs Arpad Plesch 8/1
7 AUBUSSON N Sellwood Boyd-Rochfort HM The Queen 100/8
8 NILE SONG J Lindley J Tree Mr Charles Engelhard 100/7
9 BABOGAIL A Clayton W-Evans Mr J W-Evans 33/1
10 XENOCLES Fawdon Greenhills Major A Holt 33/1
11 PALLADIUM J Sime R Mason Mr J Kartz 33/1
12 PHILANAR S Clayton Budgett Mr R R-Watson 33/1
13 POLITICIAN P Tulk Black Mr J Tilling 33/1
14 GOLDEN PARADE Klimscha Hastings Mr W-Wyatt 33/1
The Coventry Stakes took place on Tuesday 19th June 1962, and the winner, a chestnut colt by King of the Tudors out of Chandelier, won a first prize of £2479 (equivalent to £54,000 in 2020) Over round 130%
Coventry Stakes Group 2 6 furlongs
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