It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 211 yards (2,406 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.
The event is named in honour of the 5th Earl of Hardwicke, who served as the Master of the Buckhounds in the 19th century.
The Hardwicke Stakes is now held on the final day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting.
The leading horses often return to the venue to compete in the following month's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
* The 1880 winner Exeter was later exported to Argentina and renamed El Plata.