The race was first run in 1988 when it was won by a mare called Voltage. Later on Voltage became the dam of 2007 Australasian Oaks winner Anamato. It became a Listed race in 1990 when it was won by Princess Pushy then from 1994 0nwards it has been a Group 3 race. The 1995 winner Our Marquise is out of a mare called Eight Carat who is also the mother of Octagonal. There were dead heats for the win  in 2007 and 2008. In 2007 Maslins Beach and Autumn Jeuney were locked in a battle in the home straight and crossed the line together, and in 2008 Miss Badoura and Bird Of Fire did the same thing plus there was a dead heat for third between Permission To Land and Princess Marizza.

It has been run under several different names over the years, including the Dalgety Breeders Plate in 1991-92, BMW Plate in 1993, the Tesio Stakes from 1994 to 2004. It was then called the Inglis Mile fr0m 2005 to 2008. and reverted back to the Tesio Stakes. In 2013 and 2014 it was named the Eliza Park International Stakes after the stud farm where Bel Esprit, the sire of Black Caviar stands, They also bred her mother Helsinge, The registered name of the race honours the famous Italian horse breeder Frederico Tesla (1869–1954). This is why the sponsors of the race are usually associated with thoroughbred breeding and selling.

The race is held On Cox Plate day.

In 2024 the Tesio rises in distance from 1600m to 2040m to provide a further 2000m+ mares’ stakes race on the Australian calendar. It links with the G2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington a fortnight later. The prizemoney is boosted from $200,000 to $300,000.

2023 Tesio Stakes Preview and results.

2022 Tesio Stakes Preview and results.

Multiple winners: Lady Lynette (2009 & 2010)

Fastest time (1600m): Princess Pushy (1990) 1:34:10

Interesting trivia: In 2007 there was a dead heat for first between Autumn Jeuney and Maslins Beach. In 2008 there was a dead heat for first (Bird Of Fire/Miss Badoura) and a dead heat for third (Permission To Land/Princess Marizza). In 1996 Eastern Princess was first home but laster lostthe race on a positive swab and Miss Margaret was declared the winner.

Winners of past Tesio Stakes include Suavito (2014), Catkins (2013), Lady Lynette (2009/2010), Zanna (2003), Gentle Genius (2002), La Bella Dama (2001), Spectrum (1997), Miss Margaret (1996), Our Marquise (1995), Western Chorus (1991), Princess Pushy (1990) and Voltage (1988).