Naturalism Stakes
Annual horse race in Melbourne, Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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 |
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.[2]
Since 2007 the race winner obtains a ballot exemption from the Caulfield Cup.[3]
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[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
Winners
- 2025 - Half Yours[4]
- 2024 - Positivity[5]
- 2023 - Uncle Bryn[6]
- 2022 - Smokin' Romans[7]
- 2021 - Nonconformist[8]
- 2020 - Orderofthegarter[9]
- 2019 - Brimham Rocks[10]
- 2018 - Night's Watch[11]
- 2017 - Harlem[12]
- 2016 - Jameka[13]
- 2015 - Magnapal[14]
- 2014 - Gris Caro[15]
- 2013 - Mr O'Ceirin[16]
- 2012 - Folding Gear[17]
- 2011 - December Draw[18]
- 2010 - Rainbow Styling[19]
- 2009 - Red Lord[20]
- 2008 - Zagreb[21]
- 2007 - Douro Valley[22]
- 2006 - Zipping[23]
- 2005 - Sarrera[24]
- 2004 - Confectioner[25]
- 2003 - Rose Archway[26]
- 2002 - Pentastic[27]
- 2001 - Inaflury[28]
- 2000 - Celestial Show[29]
- 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