MRC Foundation Cup Race Information
The MRC Foundation Cup is a 2000 quality handicap race run by the Melbourne Racing Club in mid-September. It was previously called he Naturalism Stakes and is held at Caulfield on Underwood Stakes day.
- Race Type: Group 3
- Distance: 2000 metres
- Conditions: Quality handicap
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
- Prizemoney: $200,000
- Date: Saturday 21 September 2024

MRC Foundation Cup Race History
The race was first run over 1600m at Caulfield in 1983 and was won by Mevron Boy. The distance was increased to 2000m in 1994 and in 2009 it was upgraded from a Listed race to a Group 3 race.
From 2007 onwards the winner of this race has been exempt from the Caulfield Cup ballot.
It is now called the MRC Foundation Cup rather than the Naturalism Stakes.
Our Runner by Runner Previews
2023 Naturalism Stakes Preview and results
2022 MRC Foundation Cup Preview and results
2021 Naturalism Stakes Preview and results
2020 Naturalism Stakes Preview and results
MRC Foundation Cup Facts
Last mare to win; Jameka (2016)
Multiple winners: none
Fastest time (2000m): Harlem (2017) 2:00:43
Past winners of the MRC Foundation Cup
Winners of past MRC Foundation Cup/Naturalism Stakes include Harlem (2017), Jameka (2016), December Draw (2011), Douro Valley (2007), Zipping (2006), Sarrera (2005), Pentastic (2002), Inaflury (2001), Second Coming (1999), Skybeau (1997), Just A Dancer (1990), Sea Legend (1986) and Mapperley Heights (1984).
Year | Winner | Second | Third |
2024 | Positivity | Future History | Gear Up |
2023 | Uncle Bryn | Floating Artist | Alaskan God |
2022 | Smokin’ Romans | Uncle Bryn | Gold Trip |
2021 | Nonconformist | Delphi | Tralee Rose |
2020 | Orderofthegarter | Chapada | Steel Prince |
2019 | Brimham Rocks | So You Win | Sikandarabad |
2018 | Night’s Watch | Rising Red | Odeon |
2017 | Harlem | Samovare | Stampede |
2016 | Jameka | Gallante | Berisha |
2015 | Magnapal | The United States | Genuine Lad |
2014 | Gris Caro | Entirely Platinum | Bonfire |
2013 | Mr O’Ceirin | Kesampour | Bit Of Hell |
2012 | Folding Gear | Mr O’Ceirin | Exceptionally |
2011 | December Draw | At First Sight | Lucky Eighty Eight |
2010 | Rainbow Styling | Valdemoro | Moudre |
2009 | Red Lord | Light Vision | Majestical |
2008 | Zagreb | Light Vision | Baughurst |
2007 | Douro Valley | Maldivian | Dolphin Jo |
2006 | Zipping | Show Barry | Growl |
2005 | Sarrera | Emerald Jack | Swift Tango |
2004 | Confectioner | Evil Master | Devastating |
2003 | Rose Archway | Another Warrior | Vicksburg |
2002 | Pentastic | Spirit Of Westbury | Thong Classic |
2001 | Inaflury | Celestial Show | Natch |
2000 | Celestial Show | Ancient City | Prince Iluka |
1999 | Second Coming | Figurehead | Ancient City |
1998 | Our Unicorn | Kristalero | Vitrinite |
1997 | Skybeau | Waterford Road | Dendy Park |
1996 | Peep On The Sly | Centico | Prince Calaf |
1995 | Campaign Warrior | Native Zam | Skliero |
1994 | Sugarstone | Shatin Heights | Paxmat Will |