Excited sleepless nights leading up to the event were rewarded with the dream that was the 149th running of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. Cape Town and South Africa’s finest descended upon the Kenilworth race course for a day they will never forget.

“Pocket Power” goes over the line to claim the title!

I remember on at least five separate occasions being told about how mind-blowing the the angels were. “Smoking hot” doesn’t even begin to describe it. And that was just the eye-candy, which was duly noted by the uber cool, slicksters and spice-masters that spent the day jostling for position.

Not that is mattered because later on found us all together on the dance floor, completely ripping it up to Gang of Instrumentals, Just Jinjer, Goldfish and Shaun Duvet. Let’s be honest, that’s a SERIOUS lineup!

Not to detract from the actual racing taking place on the day! I pulled in a bit of cash with a win by Pocket Power, but here’s a bit more on the details!

CAPE TOWN’S HOTTEST SOCIAL EVENT – THE L’ORMARINS QUEEN’S PLATE

The prestigious and undoubtedly the most stylish event on the Cape Town racing and social calendar, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, took place for the 149th time at Kenilworth race course on January 9, 2010, for a purse of R1 million.

Celebrities including Leanne Liebenberg, Jo-Anne Strauss, the Cowley sisters, Lyndall Jarvis, Ernie Els, Michael Vaughan and Roxy Louw attended the chic and fashionable affair which brought the country’s finest thoroughbreds and entertainment to the centre stage and surrounded them with haute couture fashion, vintage cars and fine wines.

The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate was a day steeped in elegance and sophistication – guests were requested to dress in keeping with the blue and white dress code, which was carried through to the décor in the Style Lounge Village and VIP Stud Club marquee. Ladies donned graceful, summery frocks in pearl, alabaster and ivory with large hats to shield their delicate skin from the harsh South African sun, whilst Gentlemen wore lightweight summer suits with ties in shades of sapphire, cornflower, turquoise, navy, sky, cobalt and powder blue.

Those ladies whose fashion sense embodied the sophistication of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate were rewarded with rosettes by a panel of judges including singer, Lindiwe Suttle, designers Malcom Kluk & Christiaan Gabriel, Malikah Hajee & Olivia Hooper from GLAMOUR magazine, Errol Arendz and Boutique owner Sylvia Gruber . The “Best Dressed” award was won by Nikki Stegmann for her choice of a simple yet stunning white strapless dress and floaty summer hat, whilst The “Best Hat” award went to Elzette Gustavsson.

In the Style Lounge, guests were accommodated in comfort and luxury in a variety of marquees, with a dazzling array of gourmet food stalls, plentiful totes for placing bets, classy wine bars, and an uninterrupted view of the winning horse, Pocket Power, romping home for his unprecedented 4th win with jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe and trainer Mike Bass.

Later, as the sun dipped behind the mountain and the last race was run, Just Jinjer, Goldfish, Gang of Instrumentals and Shaun Duvet kept the crowds thoroughly entertained and partying the night away until late.

Rather unfortunate for any of you who weren’t able to make it! The best I can do is direct you to the photographs from the event, to give you a taste for next year!

ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with that!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL PICS FROM
THE 2010 L’ORMARINS QUEENS PLATE
(All pics by Werner Ryke)