Naturalism Stakes
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ClassGroup 3
LocationCaulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia
Inaugurated1983 (Principal race as VATC Royal Show Handicap)
Race typeThoroughbred
| Class | Group 3 |
|---|---|
| Location | Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia |
| Inaugurated | 1983 (Principal race as VATC Royal Show Handicap) |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Catanach's Jewellers (2022) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2,000 metres |
| Surface | Turf |
| Weight | Open handicap |
| Purse | $200,000 (2024) |
| Bonuses | Winner ballot exemption Caulfield Cup |
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.[1]
Grade
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.[2]
Since 2007 the race winner obtains a ballot exemption from the Caulfield Cup.[3]
- 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[2]
- 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