Naturalism Stakes

The MRC Foundation Cup, registered as the Naturalism Stakes, is a Melbourne Racing Club Group 3 Thoroughbred open handicap horse race, over a distance of 2,000 metres. It is held annually at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia in September. Total prize money for the race is A$200,000.

History
The registered race is named after Naturalism, who won the 1993 Caulfield Stakes. The Naturalism Stakes is a good guide to high-profile races later in the season, including the Caulfield Cup and the prestigious W S Cox Plate.

Since 2007 the race winner obtains a ballot exemption from the Caulfield Cup.

Grade

 * The race was upgraded from a Listed race to Group 3 in 2009.

Distance

 * 1983–1993 – 1800 metres
 * 1994 onwards - 2000 metres

Name

 * 1983–1994 - VATC Royal Show Handicap
 * 1995–2001 - Naturalism Stakes
 * 2002 - Emirates Airlines Stakes
 * 2003 - Carnival Stakes
 * 2004 - Dubai Duty Free Stakes
 * 2005 - Nad Al Sheba Club Classic
 * 2006–2014 - Naturalism Stakes
 * 2015 - MRC Foundation Cup

Winners

 * 2022 - Smokin' Romans
 * 2021 - Nonconformist
 * 2020 - Orderofthegarter
 * 2019 - Brimham Rocks
 * 2018 - Night's Watch
 * 2017 - Harlem
 * 2016 - Jameka
 * 2015 - Magnapal
 * 2014 - Gris Caro
 * 2013 - Mr O'Ceirin
 * 2012 - Folding Gear
 * 2011 - December Draw
 * 2010 - Rainbow Styling
 * 2009 - Red Lord
 * 2008 - Zagreb
 * 2007 - Douro Valley
 * 2006 - Zipping
 * 2005 - Sarrera
 * 2004 - Confectioner
 * 2003 - Rose Archway
 * 2002 - Pentastic
 * 2001 - Inaflury
 * 2000 - Celestial Show
 * 1999 - Second Coming
 * 1998 - Our Unicorn
 * 1997 - Skybeau
 * 1996 - Peep On The Sly
 * 1995 - Campaign Warrior
 * 1994 - Top Rating
 * 1993 - Golden Serpent
 * 1992 - Three Pals
 * 1991 - Newbury Star
 * 1990 - Just A Dancer
 * 1989 - Tiendi
 * 1988 - Ebeli Show
 * 1987 - Tristram
 * 1986 - Sea Legend
 * 1985 - Top Banner
 * 1984 - Mapperley Heights
 * 1983 - Mevron Boy