It was run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile, 1 furlong and 192 yards (1,986 metres), and it was scheduled to take place each year in September.
The event was established in 1965, and it was originally called the Valdoe Stakes.
It was initially open to horses aged four or older, and the inaugural running was contested over a mile.
The race was restricted to three and four-year-olds in 1973, and it was re-opened to older horses in 1976.
It was renamed the Select Stakes and promoted from Listed to Group 3 status in 1986.