Off to the Races: The Stylish L’Ormarins King’s Plate Returns to Cape Town in January

Cape Town’s most prestigious blue and white racing affair, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, once again makes its return to the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

This 1-day summer racing festival brings together exceptional sportspeople and horses, high fashion, chilled bubbles, and a lucky bet here and there.

What is L’Ormarins King’s Plate all about?

The L’Ormarins King’s Plate dates back to 1861 and holds a special place in equestrian history as South Africa’s oldest horse race event in Cape Town, with its vibrant blend of social and sporting excitement.

The race was originally established in honour of the original silver plate awarded by Queen Victoria to the winner of the race’s inaugural running and continues to uphold a rich tradition. It is now recognized as one of the most anticipated social events of the Cape summer season.

What’s on at L’Ormarins King’s Plate’s 2026 showcase in Cape Town?

The atmosphere at L’Ormarins King’s Plate will pulse with live jazz from top Cape performers, setting a sophisticated tone from gates opening at 11am.

Attendees can sip premium wines while soaking up smooth saxophone solos and upbeat ensembles, with the music spilling into a vibrant after-party to keep the energy soaring long after the final race.

Adding equine elegance, majestic Lipizzaner horses promise to captivate crowds with their graceful displays, perfectly complementing the day’s blend of heritage and high energy.

On the track, three Grade 1 races will deliver pulse-pounding excitement, headlined by the historic 165^th running of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1600m. Early entries promise fireworks, featuring Equus Horse of the Year 2022/23 Dave the King, 2023/24 champion Eight on Eighteen, KZN Raider Gladatorian, and Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 winner, The Real Prince.

Exciting newcomers Gimme Rules, Mon Petit Cherie and Vapour Trail will add fresh intrigue, building on their standout Guineas and Green Point form as key feeders to this elite showdown. With entries finalised by late December, the full field will guarantee a clash of Cape racing’s finest.

Once the final race is run, the party feels flow with the L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2026 Afterparty. A lineup of star-studded DJs is confirmed and promises to transform the event into an open-air evening of music and dancing beneath the warm Cape’s night sky.

Other highlights include access to some of the country’s finest wines and food, as well as some exceptional antique car displays.

Go all-out in head-turning hats and elegant looks

Whether you are heading to the races or staying off-track, be sure to dress to the nines in your best blue and white garb. The extra effort to curate an elegant look might just secure yourself one of the Best Dressed prizes at the event.

Fashion will take centre stage as the Best Dressed competitions crown winners in men’s, women’s and hat categories, with L’Ormarins King’s Plate style prizes from Cartier awarded for the most striking blue-and-white ensembles. From tailored suits and flowing dresses to extravagant headpieces, the Style Lounge will buzz with content creators snapping outfits amid pop-up bars and gourmet grazing stations.

This won’t just be a raceday – it will be Cape Town’s see-and-be-seen event, where summer style meets seamless entertainment for all ages.

L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2025 Package Options

Each hospitality offering is designed to offer guests a unique experience and tickets can be purchased as following:

Style Lounge Village
The Style Lounge Village (R600) provides an entrance where the King’s Plate begins, with sunshine, racing, entertainment, fine Anthonij Rupert wines, L’Ormarins Brut and local food vendors. It includes access to horse racing and the after party, wine bars, food concessionaires, access to the Franschhoek Motor Museum car displays, tote facilities and in-field parking.

Lifestyle Stud Club Package
The exclusive Stud Club area overlooks the track in a prime position, hosting racegoers seeking buzz and luxuries. This limited area features a decorated space with private bars, totes, lounge and cocktail seating; selected complimentary Anthonij Rupert wines and beer plus a cash bar; light lunch and snacks; entrance to Style Lounge Village, Stud Club, racing and after party; car displays; and in-field parking.