The Jersey Stakes, a Group 3 flat race over 7 furlongs for three-year-old horses, was established when a three-year cycle of races called the Triennial Stakes was discontinued after World War I. The Triennial Stakes had comprised a race for two-year-olds over 5 furlongs, a race for three-year-olds over 7 furlongs which was first run in 1849, and a race for four-year-olds over 2 miles. Horses would return each year to compete over the increasing distances. The Jersey Stakes replaced the second leg of the Triennial Stakes in 1919. It was named after the 4th Earl of Jersey, George Bussy Villiers, who served as MP for Tamworth, Aldborough (West Yorkshire) and Dover, and also served as the Master of the Buckhounds between 1782 and 1783. The race is now run on the second day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting.
Early history:- The forerunner of the Jersey Stakes, the second leg of the Triennial Stakes over 7 furlongs for 3-year-olds, was first run in 1849 when won by Borneo. The inaugural running of the Jersey Stakes was on Friday 20th June 1919 when Knight of the Air defeated HM The King's Viceroy and Sardis by a neck and 6 lengths.