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The running of the 159th L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (LQP) starts today, January 10, and continues tomorrow at the Kenilworth Racecourse.

As one of Cape Town’s most celebrated horse racing days, LQP is a much-anticipated affair, where guests can enjoy some of the country’s best racing, wine, food, and antique car displays in South Africa.

If you’re going, well done on making some excellent weekend plans to round off that first week back in the office.

If not, there are still tickets available for today and Saturday via Computicket, so it’s not too late snap one up, don your finest, and spend a day living large.

On Friday, the LQP Festival plays host to the L’Ormarins’ elegant Garden Party. If you prefer an indoor dining experience, you can lounge in the Somerset Room, where you’ll enjoy a formal, three-course lunch in air-conditioned comfort with elevated views of the track for R400 per person.

Guests also have access to the races and a private bar with a loo and tote facilities.

On Saturday, for R350, you park off in the Style Lounge Village where guests can enjoy the day’s horse racing entertainment, tote facilities, L’Ormarins Brut Classique, fine Anthonij Rupert wines, local food concessionaires, the Franschhoek Motor Museum displays and the famous L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate after-party.

Because you’re doing this year right, I want to take a moment to appreciate the L’Ormarins Brut Classique from Rupert Wines. I treated myself to a bottle on New Year’s Eve and can confirm that it’s the perfect companion to a classy celebration.

If you really want to add a touch of sophistication to your Queen’s Plate experience, memorise the tasting notes, and casually drop them into conversation at the appropriate moment:

Fine bead and string of pearl bubbles. Aromas of tarte tartin, apple and cinnamon with a light pear drop and biscuit nuance. Bright vivacious and crisply zesty in the mouth.

Tangy lime and green apple crunch with a richer, deeper, biscuit and sourdough undertone. The zingy citrus and creamy lees flavours are well balanced with acidity and fruit in complete harmony. Poised and elegant with a lingering aftertaste.

If you aren’t a connoisseur then all you really need to know is that it’s delicious, but that can be said for the entire Rupert Wines range.

Other areas to occupy include the VIP Stud Club, Paddock Sites, The Kenilworth Room and the Peninsula Jazz Room, with each venue promising a unique racing and lifestyle experience.

Part of the experience is the glamour of it all, which is why they have some clear rules when it comes to what you can and can’t wear.

• Both Ladies and Gentlemen are required to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion adhering to the dress code of blue and white.
• Outfits should be elegant.
• Ladies should wear a hat or fascinator
• Gentlemen should wear jackets and ties, cravats or a smart open neck shirt. Linen suits and a waistcoat with the archetypal Panama can also be worn. No jeans, shorts or open shoes
• No fancy dress.

Event Information:

Friday

• Venue: Kenilworth Racecourse
• Time: From 11AM to 6PM
• Date: 10 January 2020
• Dress Code: Elegant blue and White
• Tickets:  R400 to R500 available at Computicket

Saturday

• Venue: Kenilworth Racecourse
• Time: 12PM (midday) onwards
• Date: 11 January 2020
• Dress Code: Elegant blue and White
• Tickets:  R350 to R1 500 available at Computicket

Now straighten your hat, place your bets, and wait for that starting gun.