title: Naturalism Stakes
text: # 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
  