The race was first run in 1892 as a Principal Race over 6 furlongs (about 1200m) when it was won by a horse called Two Up.  Despite the long history of this race, no horse has managed to win more than once. In 1902 the distance was increased to a mile (1609m) and when the metric system was introduced in 1972 it became 1600m and has remained at the distance except for the running in January 2008 when it was held over 1400m. It was a Group 3 race from 1979 to 1985 and was upgraded to the current Group 2 status in 1986. In 2022 the name was changed from the Villiers Stakes to The Ingham.

In 2022 the meeting became Ingham day. It is a charity raceday featuring the inaugurak running of the Group 2 $2 million The Ingham and honours horse racing icons Mr Bob Ingham AO and Mr Jack Ingham AO.

In 2021 prizemoney went from $250,000 to $750,000 then in 2022 was increased to $2,000,000 with the change of name to The Ingham.

2023 The Ingham Preview and results.

2022 The Ingham Preview and results.

2021 Villiers Stakes Preview and results.

Last mare to win: Greysful Glamour (2020)

Last 3YO to win: C&G Hot Diggity (1977); Filly – Ordnance (1895)

Multiple winners: none

Fastest time (1600m): Ike’s Dream (2004) 1:33:13

Interesting trivia: The Villiers Stakes was not run in 2007 due to equine influenza, but was run twice in 2008.

Winners of past Villiers Stakes often run well in the Doncaster as they are exempt from the ballot.