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

This is a sub-heading or extra info to add above the post.

Cape Town’s most prestigious racing event, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, once again makes its return to the newly renovated Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 6 January 2024.

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 for its vibrant blend of social and sporting excitement.

The race was originally established in honour of Queen Victoria and continues to be held in honour of the British monarch. Last year, following a run of 19 years as the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, the event was renamed the L’Ormarins King’s Plate after the accession of King Charles III.

What’s on at L’ormarins King’s Plate’s 2024 showcase in Cape Town?

On 6 January 2024, the finest thoroughbreds will vie for the coveted title of L’Ormarins King’s Plate champion and a share of the prize money of nearly R2 million.

A highlight of this year’s event is the second running of the Okapi Ladies International race. This race features female jockeys exclusively and will see the 1,200m track compete for an impressive prize purse valued at R200,000.

There are also a host of immersive fringe events to set the mood. A writing competition stands out as a fresh and interactive way for attendees to get involved. Here wordsmiths can craft narratives that bring the day to life on paper. It’s all about sharing personal experiences and creating a lasting record of the Plate’s unique spirit.

Put your photography skills to the test with L’Ormarins King’s Plate’s photography competition for visiting guests. This fun challenge is not just about technical skills of capturing the perfect frame, but also about conveying the event’s heart, soul and energy through the lens.

‘These fringe events aim to make the L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2024 a more personal and engaging experience, allowing attendees to create lasting memories and be part of the event’s story,’ explains Katherine Gray, L’Ormarins King’s Plate Coordinator. Winners for both competitions will be crowned at the event.

Once the final race is run, the party feels flow with the L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2024 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.

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

While Capetonians and visiting tourists have kept the dress code sophisticated in previous years, it is always important to acknowledge and respect the race-wear etiquette. If you are heading to the races or staying off-track, don’t just throw something together on the morning. The extra effort to curate an elegant look might just secure yourself one of the Best Dressed prizes at the event.

This year, Cartier returns as sponsor of the Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man and Best Hat off-track competitions. The luxury jewellery brand joins a number of other sponsors, including Drakenstein Stud Farm, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Franschhoek Motor Museum, Okapi, Heineken, Schweppes and Merchants on Long in Cape Town, who all contribute to the success of the event.

How to book tickets

Ticket sales are currently open on Computicket – watch the L’Ormarins King’s Plate social media pages and website for further updates. Style Village access is R500pp and Stud Club tickets come priced at R1600pp.