L'Ormarins King's Plate

With each passing year, the legend grows. The L’Ormarins King’s Plate has become a day Cape Town circles in ink, a celebration that fuses world-class racing, style, and social splendour in a way no other event can. Those who attend speak of it for months afterward, as each year somehow surpasses the last in glamour, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

On Saturday, 10 January 2026, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth will once again transform into a sea of blue and white for the 165th running of this iconic race, a tradition steeped in excellence since 1861. By day, it’s a showcase of equine brilliance and effortless elegance. By night, it bursts into life as the music rises and the revelry begins.

The L’Ormarins King’s Plate Gr 1 (1600m) remains the crown jewel of the South African racing calendar, earning the winner a coveted invitation to the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile in the United States — a global stage where champions prove their mettle.

Legends such as Pocket Power, Jet Dark, Charles Dickens, Do It Again, and Legal Eagle have all etched their names into the race’s storied history, while One Stripe, last year’s hero, will carry South Africa’s hopes in the Breeders’ Cup this November.

The race day’s prestige extends beyond the main event, featuring three Group 1 showdowns, the World Pool Cape Flying Championship Gr 1 (1000m), the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Gr 1 (1600m), and the Cartier Paddock Stakes Gr 1 (1800m) — each drawing elite contenders and commanding massive global Tote pools through the World Pool partnership. Early talk points to Eight On Eighteen, reigning Equus Horse of the Year, as a leading fancy, with The Real Prince and Jan Van Goyen also among the names stirring excitement.

Yet the magic of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate extends well beyond the turf. It’s a day of sophistication and spectacle, with dazzling prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat, and a signature blue-and-white theme that turns the lawns into a living canvas of elegance. The January breeze plays kindly, the champagne flows, and the energy builds from the first race to the last dance.

For those seeking the finest experience, premium hospitality packages offer access to exclusive lounges, gourmet dining, prime trackside views, and stylish social hubs where Cape Town gathers to celebrate summer in blue and white.