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.
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 The following are past winners of the race.
2026 - Zahrann 2025 - Half Yours 2024 - Positivity 2023 - Uncle Bryn 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
See also Caulfield Guineas Prelude How Now Stakes Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Thousand Guineas Prelude Underwood Stakes List of Australian Group races Group races
References