It is run at Newbury over a distance of 1 mile, 5 furlongs and 61 yards (2,671 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.
It was founded by Geoffrey Freer, a Jockey Club handicapper who served as the manager of Newbury Racecourse.
The venue had been used as an American military supply depot during World War II, and Freer restored the course in the post-war period.
For a period the Geoffrey Freer Stakes was classed at Group 2 level.
The leading three-year-olds from the race sometimes go on to compete in the following month's St. Leger Stakes.