[imagesource: L’Ormarins King’s Plate]
2025 started strong with a true celebration of style, speed, and sophistication at the 164th L’Ormarins King’s Plate hosted by Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.
The most iconic South African horse racing events kicked off on Saturday, January 4th, with everything from thrilling races to chic fashion moments, as well as what the LKP’s winning writer wrote, ‘BLUES, HUES, AND CHAMPION HOOVES‘. We love a heading that rhymes.
The event may be over, but the magic lives on. As such, we’re taking a moment to relive the most memorable moments, like when ONE STRIPE took the crown for the 164th running of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Grade 1 – an incredible feat ahead of his fellow equine athletes.
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The entire day was sparkling, which very much included the event’s best sponsors (yes, we are biased); L’Ormarins and Anthonij Rupert Wine, who provided bubbles and perfectly chilled wines to sip on as the races unfolded.
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After the intensity on the race course, everyone definitely needed to relish some of the best refreshments in the country.
Guests are encouraged to get fully involved in the races, placing their bets beforehand and on the day to ensure a full-throttle day of fun. But the King’s Plate has something for everyone, including the fashionistas among us.
Everyone showed up looking as fine and fresh as ever in myriad shades of blues and crisp whites, with the Best-Dressed Competition favouring the few who really took their outfits above and beyond.
A panel of judges walked around the course with their LKP Jockey Girls scouting for people to be shortlisted for the competition. The best-dressed was a woman wearing a Juste Un Clou bracelet and a mini shoulder bag by C de Cartier while the best-dressed man was also donning his finest Juste Un Clou bracelet, his shirt masterly cuffed with gorgeous cufflinks, and topping his outfit off with the hallmark of luxury, a Santos de Cartier Ballpoint Pen.
The event also pays homage to photographers who are Invited to submit a collection of photographs that encapsulate the spirit of LKP. This year’s winner was a striking shot of a lady blooming in blue by Ruvan Boshoff:
He walked off with a nice R20,000 voucher for his contribution.
Overall, what a day!
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The historical race had its first run in 1861 – when Queen Victoria Donated a Silver Plate and 500 Sovereigns to the Winner – and has since become one of the Cape’s foremost racing and social events.
Watch the space for the next event, the 165th L’Ormarins King’s Plate coming later this year. You’re going to want to be there.
