Get ready for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, the most prestigious annual equestrian event in South Africa, taking place on January 6, 2024, at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. This festival offers a seamless blend of social interactions and thrilling horse racing, with top-notch thoroughbreds competing for the coveted title of L’Ormarins King’s Plate champion. Additionally, attendees can participate in the Best Dressed competition, fringe events, and the after-party, making for a truly memorable experience. Tickets are available for purchase at varying prices, depending on the access level desired.
What is the L’Ormarins King’s Plate?
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is an annual equestrian event held in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the most enduring annual horse race in the country and is steeped in prestige and historical significance. The event brings together top-notch thoroughbreds battling for the esteemed title of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate champion and also features a fashion contest and fringe events. The festival will return on January 6, 2024, at the recently updated Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.
The essence of Cape Town’s summer racing festival, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, is once again upon us. Slated to make a grand return on January 6, 2024 at the recently updated Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, the event is steeped in prestige and historical prominence. Having been a beloved tradition for over 150 years, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate is a seamless blend of social interactions and thrilling sportsmanship that guarantees a memorable experience for all attendees.
Originally initiated in 1861 to honor Queen Victoria, this monumental horse race has evolved to be South Africa’s most enduring annual equestrian event. The previous 19 years have seen it celebrated as the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. However, following King Charles III’s ascension to the throne, the event has rebranded to the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
A Centrepiece of Cape Town’s Racing Season
Regarded as the linchpin of Cape Town’s racing calendar, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate is a spectator’s delight, bringing together top-notch thoroughbreds battling for the esteemed title of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate champion. Competitors also vie for a slice of the nearly R2 million in prize money. The 2024 festival will also feature the second edition of the Okapi Ladies International race, a contest solely for female jockeys, boasting an impressive prize pool of R200,000.
High-end brand Cartier reaffirms its commitment to the event, sponsoring the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes and the sought-after Best Dressed competition. The fashion contest includes three categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, and Best Hat. This provides an opportunity for attendees to strut their styling prowess amid the electrifying atmosphere of a horse race.
Speaking on the significance of the 2024 festival, Donovan Everitt, COO of Cape Racing, emphasized the event’s commemoration of L’Ormarins’ 20th year as a sponsor. Everitt underscored the sustained triumph of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the enduring partnerships that have augmented its prominence as an integral part of Cape Town’s summer calendar.
Engaging Fringe Events in 2024 Edition
In a bid to enhance attendee involvement in 2024, the organizers have unveiled several fringe events. Among them are a photography competition that encourages guests to encapsulate the event’s elegance and thrill, and a writing contest that challenges attendees to vividly describe the day’s experiences.
“Through initiating these fringe events, we’re enabling attendees to forge enduring memories and become part of the event’s narrative,” expressed Katherine Gray, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Coordinator.
The excitement persists even after the final race, with the kick-off of the after-party. The event morphs into a night of music and dancing, headlined by top-tier DJs. The alfresco gathering is set to commence under the cozy Cape’s night sky, a fitting finale to a day full of racing, fashion, and entertainment.
“We eagerly look forward to delivering an extraordinary festival experience beneath the African sun and starry skies at our revamped venue,” Gray enthused.
Ticket Information and Venue Details
Access to the Style Village will be priced at R500, while Stud Club tickets will be up for sale at R1 600. For those keen on exploring Cape Town and its environs, there are offers on cars below R100,000.
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is more than just a homage to equestrian heritage. It embodies the vibrant local culture, symbolizes the height of Cape Town’s summer season, and serves as a beacon of fashion, fun, and elegance.
When is the L’Ormarins King’s Plate taking place?
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate will take place on January 6, 2024, at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town, South Africa.
What is the significance of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate?
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is the most prestigious annual equestrian event in South Africa, bringing together top-notch thoroughbreds battling for the esteemed title of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate champion. Additionally, it features a fashion contest and engaging fringe events. The festival has a rich history of over 150 years and is a centerpiece of Cape Town’s racing season.
What are the fringe events in the 2024 edition?
The organizers of the 2024 edition have unveiled several fringe events, including a photography competition and a writing contest. These events aim to enhance attendee involvement and enable them to become part of the event’s narrative. The after-party, headlined by top-tier DJs, is set to commence under the cozy Cape’s night sky, serving as a fitting finale to a day full of racing, fashion, and entertainment.
What is the ticket price for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate?
The ticket price for access to the Style Village is R500, while Stud Club tickets are up for sale at R1,600.
What is the Okapi Ladies International race?
The Okapi Ladies International race is a contest solely for female jockeys, boasting an impressive prize pool of R200,000. It is set to feature in the 2024 edition of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
What is the Best Dressed competition?
The Best Dressed competition, sponsored by high-end brand Cartier, includes three categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, and Best Hat. It provides an opportunity for attendees to showcase their styling prowess amid the electrifying atmosphere of a horse race.
