The event is named after the
3rd Baron Chesham, who served as the last
Master of the Buckhounds in 1900–01. It was established in 1919, and it was originally contested over 5 furlongs. It replaced a previous race, the first leg of the Triennial Stakes. The race has an unusual restriction, being open only to horses sired by stallions who won over ten furlongs or more. For a period the Chesham Stakes was contested over 6 furlongs, and it was extended to 7 furlongs in 1996. It is currently restricted to horses whose sires or dams have won at a distance in excess of 1 mile and 1½ furlongs, or in excess of 1,900 metres. The Chesham Stakes is now the opening race on the final day of the Royal Ascot meeting. Lester Piggott rode seven winners of the race between 1960 and 1982. ==Records==