The Cape’s most prestigious horse racing event and one of South Africa’s most important calendar affairs, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will be held at Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town on January 12 2013, with equestrian contenders competing for the R1 million purse and race-goers looking to land best-dressed honours.

It was 1861 when the legendary Queen’s Plate race first thundered on African soil, with a prize of a silver plate and 500 sovereigns donated to the winner by Queen Victoria. The race signalled a meeting of racing excellence, style and grace that has continued unsurpassed in the history of South African horse racing.

South Africa’s prestigious weight-for-age race sees the best 16 thoroughbred horses in South Africa accepted according to their merit ratings.

Sponsored by L’Ormarins since 2005, the Queen’s Plate is also one of the Cape’s acclaimed social gatherings where art and passion are captured not only in equestrian endeavors but also in the ancient winemaking skills displayed in Antonij Rupert Wines as well as a collection of classic, rare Mercedes-Benz cars on display courtesy of the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

An elegance of occasion, meanwhile, is reflected in royal blue & white race day fashions, world-class entertainment and a variety of hospitality & culinary offerings which make it the perfect place to share good wine with friends, enjoy the races and dance the night away.

Check out the LQP website, here.

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