THE Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot looks a very strong race based on the subsequent exploits of those who contested it, and while runner-up Threat (Richard Hannon/Tom Marquand) narrowly failed to justify favouritism, it was Golden Horde, who fared best of those up with an overly strong pace in the Coventry who came out on top, with Adam Kirby and Clive Cox reprising the roles they played with this colt’s sire Lethal Force in the July Cup six years ago.

Aidan O’Brien’s maiden Royal Dornoch kept on for third under Wayne Lordan.

The disappointment of the race was Coventry Stakes third Guildsman, and while he might be forgiven this as he fly-jumped as the stalls opened and then met interference, he looked less than willing in truth, and bearing in mind he failed to match his Ascot form in the July Stakes behind Royal Lytham, appears to have gone the wrong way for now. On the other hand, Ayr winner Volatile Analyst ran a stormer in fourth for Keith Dalgleish, and is one to keep on side.

The first and second were soon very well placed as they chased Misty Grey, who was again too free, and failed to last home. It looked like Threat was poised to pass Golden Horde inside the last, but the winner proved tough and turned away the challenge of the favourite for a game success, with the pair putting three lengths between themselves and the field, for which they appeared full value given how well run the contest was.

Plans

“Golden Horde is in the Gimcrack and the Morny,” said Clive Cox when asked about plans. “We’ll see how he comes out of the race and what he is telling us.”

Kirby, like Cox was keen to compare the winner to his sire, saying: “I am really pleased for him and obviously I am pleased for Lethal Force as well. It’s nice for him to get a winner on the board and hopefully this lad will do him proud. I didn’t feel like I was going that quick on him. He is just like his dad in that respect where he has a high cruising speed and lengthens really well.”