Son of Storm Cat Wins Coventry Stakes

Statue of Liberty, a $1.3 million son of leading American sire Storm Cat, scored a three-quarter-length win in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The Coventry is Britain's first group race for 2-year-olds.

The win was the second on the card for Irish-trainer Aiden O'Brien, who scored with Rock of Gibraltar in the group I St. James's Palace Stakes earlier on the card.

O'Brien conditions Rock of Gibraltar for Alex Ferguson and Mrs. John Magnier. Mrs. Magnier and Michael Tabor own statue of Liberty in partnership.

Making his first career start, the 5-2 favorite, under jockey Mick Kinane, burst through inside the final furlong, and fought off a strong challenge from 16-1 Pakhoes. At the wire, only a neck separated the pair. Kawagino was 3 1/2 lengths behind in the third.

The field of 16 completed the six-furlong distance in 1:03.20.

Statue of Liberty was bred in Kentucky by William S. Farish and W.S. Kilroy, and was consigned to the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale by Farish's Lane's End, agent. On behalf of Magnier and Tabor, Demi O'Byrne signed the $1.3 million ticket