It is run at Newmarket over a distance of 5 furlongs (1,006 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.
The event was established at Ascot in 1946, and it was initially contested over 6 furlongs (1,207 metres).
It was extended to a mile in 1948, and cut to 5 furlongs (1,006 metres) in 1957.
Until 2013 it was run in early October and in 2014 it was transferred to Newmarket to become part of the "Future Champions Day" fixture in mid-October.
[1] The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Cornwallis Stakes was classed at Group 3 level.