Royal Ascot report: Coventry Stakes goes to 150/1 shot Nando Parrado as history is made

Always close up under Adam Kirby, the Kodiac colt found plenty for pressure to fend off Qaader (3/1), stepping up hugely on a modest debut just 16 days earlier.

The result comes exactly a week after a 200/1 winner at Newbury as racing emerges from lockdown with more than its share of surprised.

Not that there appeared any fluke about this, as Nando Parrado travelled well, found plenty, and had a length in hand at the line.

Saeiqa (25/1) took third for John Gosden, but the disappointment of the race was 5/2 favourite Admiral Nelson, who was out the back early and never threatened under Ryan Moore.

Kirby said: "Nando Parrado has a very good trainer.

"He galloped with a very smart horse five weeks ago. His work was above average - a very strong piece of work and he finished his work very well.

"When he went to Newmarket [finished fifth], we thought we were going there with a live chance, but he didn't handle the track or ground. He didn't come down the hill, but we have got different ground today and he was a lot more streetwise - he toughed it out really well.

"It is a surprise because we've brought some very nice horses here in the past for this particular race and it takes a serious horse to win it. I am delighted to win it. We have fired a lot of live bullets in the race and I am very pleased to have the race won now.

"He could be well a Guineas horse. I can see him getting a mile very easily. He has got a decent mind, is very relaxed and there is no reason he can't get a mile.

"It is no fluke he won today on the front end and toughed it out, I am pleased for him."

'Not a shock' says trainer

Cox - who teamed up for Group One gold with Kirby in the Commonwealth Cup on Friday - said: "I was just saying it is not a shock. The price was a shock. He is a proper horse and we loved him from the start. It was always the plan to come here, it was just a sideways step on his first run. He came home and thrived from there.

"When the rain came earlier in the week I knew he would be better on good or slower ground than quicker ground. There was a little bit of wavering from the owner. We put him in, then took him out the other morning, as he was not sure we could go for the Coventry, but I persuaded him to get him back in there. I'm sure he won't mind me telling you that.

"Paul McCartan is a great guy and I'm very pleased to train a winner for him and Marie."

He went on: "He is a professional and we thought after Newmarket could we turn up and take the right step we intended to. I'm grateful I've a great team at home. Jerry McGrath rides this horse at home every day and he has just made all the right steps since he came back from Newmarket. It is great.

"I did back him. I don't know what price I got. When I saw the price I thought it was a bit of an insult. It's all about having winners at Royal Ascot and to have two like this is so special.

"You have only got to look at the horse. He has got a real stamp of class about him and he has clearly shown that today.

"I always thought he would be a horse for the autumn rather than the height of summer, so that is what I'd be hopeful of talking to Paul about and planning our way from here. We won't be rushing him. He will be a miler next year. I'd say he will be more of a Dewhurst horse.

"Trainer of sprinters yesterday and the longest-priced winner today. I'm very happy as long as I'm in the headlines for the right reasons."

Related horse racing links

• Sky Bet's racing odds
• Free horse racing betting tips
• All today's racecards
• Today's fast results
• Today's full results
• Non-runners
• Today's Goings
• Today's Naps Table

Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.