It was just the other day that someone sent out a tweet, asking the difference between the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and another event involving horses. I scoffed at the notion, adding that it was akin to comparing chalk and cheese. But not just any cheese – I was referring to a rich blue stilton cheese – sophisticated and unique and made according to a strict code. Such is South Africa’s most prestigious event, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.

But the similarities don’t stop there. The dress for the day is blue and white and its English heritage is apparent, as we indulge in a royal affair, which blends seamlessly with the sport of kings – something with which my palette certainly agrees!

Will Pocket Power equal the world record win of five successive titles? Will you be able to focus on the horses, as you share the limelight with the elegant and the glamorous? Or perhaps we will find you in the Cafe Caprice venue, setup on the race track, just alongside the classic vintage cars on display..

In short, if there was one event I could choose to go to in the the entire year, this would be it.

Follow the link to secure your place.

A ROYAL AFFAIR WITH THE “SPORT OF KINGS”

The 150th running of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will celebrate the royal history of this premier horse race with a gathering of the finest thoroughbreds in South Africa at Kenilworth Race Course on Saturday, 8 January 2011.

Since 1861, when this race was first run in honour of Queen Victoria, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate has distinguished itself as a sophisticated meeting of racing excellence, matched by the style and grace worthy of such a prestigious event.

Pocket Power’s dominance of the race for four consecutive years has earned his place as one of South Africa’s greats, alongside legends Wolf Power, Sea Cottage and Politician. This year sees his bid to equal the world record win of five successive titles, set by the 1957 born American horse, Kelso; a fitting tribute to Pocket Power’s last season and final running of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. An exciting crop of newcomers will also be vying for the role of heir apparent to Pocket Power’s throne.

And it will be to an august backdrop of blue and white that the 150th race will welcome the best of South African horseracing, as elegant gowns and headdresses accentuate a theme for which prizes will be aptly awarded for the “Best Dressed” and “Best Hat”.

Professional photographers have been invited to capture the “L’Ormarins Moment” on the day with an image that accurately reflects the elegance of this occasion.

A day of fine dining in The Style Lounge will include culinary delights from sushi to gourmet burgers and sandwiches as well as a selection of the finest L’Ormarins wines. Café Caprice will bring its own blend of Cape Town chic to a dedicated venue at this year’s race, and a selection of South Africa’s leading musicians will entertain the guests until 23h00.

Admirers of further rare beauty will enjoy the classic vintage cars on display courtesy of the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

“In keeping with the history of this day and celebrating the royal theme throughout, it will be nothing other than elegant fashion, delicious food and fine wine, stimulating entertainment and, of course, the finest thoroughbreds,” says Kate Salt, the spokesperson for the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.

Exclusive Corporate packages for the Café Caprice marquee are available on request. The Style Lounge tickets are available at Computicket from 1 October 2010 for those 18 and older. R250 entrance provides for an all-access pass, a race card for the day, a R20 betting voucher and access to the evening’s entertainment. Food and drink are not included. The event officially commences from 12h00.

Visit www.lqp.co.za for more information.