A massive congratulations must go to the organisers of the 150th running of the Queen’s Plate horse race, who put on an event second to none. With the day delivering an wild array of excitement and smouldering beauty, there was barely a moment to catch one’s breath before Locnville, Zebra & Giraffe and Gizelle hit the stage for an evening concert to rival any international event. Photo gallery and celebs after the jump.

I must just say that those Locnville boys are too smooth for words. WHAT I would do at the tender age of 20, with girls basically melting at my every move, is anybody’s guess. Dangerous, is what I would call it. The Locnville boys must be stopped. They are too dangerous. Do not let your daughter near them 😉

KENILWORTH CELEBRATES THE TIMELESS ELEGANCE OF THE 150TH L’ORMARINS QUEEN’S PLATE

CAPE TOWN 8 JANUARY, 2011 – The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate celebrated its 150th running with another historic display by South Africa’s finest thoroughbreds against a royal backdrop at Kenilworth racecourse on Saturday, 8 January.

From an appearance by the legendary Horse Chestnut, a magnificent win by Mother Russia to claim victory over Pocket Power in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate race, and the blend of fine wine, fashion and entertainment, this was indeed one of the most memorable editions of this prestigious event.

The record crowd of 6 000 racegoers, including South Africa’s A-list celebrities such as Nicola Breytenbach, Francesca Cumani, Jen Su, Natalie Becker, Tammy-Anne Fortuin, Jo-Ann Strauss, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, did indeed revel amidst the theme of “Timeless Elegance”.

Louise Carver, Zebra and Giraffe, Locnville, Gazelle and Crazy White Boy thrilled racegoers with live performances at the Style Lounge Village, and VIP guests enjoyed a day of luxury and sophistication in the Stud Club.

In the spirit of celebrating excellence in timeless endeavours, there was a display of one of the largest vintage car collections in the world. The collection, courtesy of the Franschhoek Motor Museum, carried through the blue and white theme of the day.

Says Kate Salt, L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Spokesperson, “We’re thrilled with the outcome of this year’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate – from the elegance of the blue and white fashion, a top entertainment line-up and, of course, the racing. The event has exceeded expectations and has lived-up to its association with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”

A collection of South Africa’s top photographers were also on hand to capture the L’Ormarins Moment and the elegant fashions of the day – reflected in the “Best Dressed” competition, won by Susanna Warren, and “Best Hat”, won by Katrina Judd.

“We always enjoy the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. It seems to be a more exclusive, sophisticated and up market event that our customers enjoy,” said local designer Malcolm Klûk.

Since its first running in 1861, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate continues to distinguish itself as a sophisticated meeting of racing excellence.

Click the thumbnails below for celeb photos including Kitty Spencer, Elana Afrika, Natalie Becker, Jacques Kallis, Lyndall Jarvis, Roxy Louw, Vanessa Haywood, Nicola Breytenbach, Joanne Strauss, among others.