Naturalism Stakes
# 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
