Cape Town is set to sparkle this Saturday, 10 January 2026, as the L’Ormarins King’s Plate takes centre stage at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. Racegoers will experience a unique blend of high fashion, live jazz, and top-tier thoroughbred racing, making it one of the city’s most anticipated social events of the summer.
It is time for the most elegant social event of the year: the L’Ormarins King’s Plate. As one of Cape Town’s most celebrated horse racing days, the King’s Plate is a complete blue-and-white affair, where guests can enjoy some of the country’s finest racing alongside premium wines, gourmet food, antique car displays, and a renowned after-party, all in the height of Cape Town’s summer. This event is a social highlight, drawing a stylish crowd and offering a variety of entertainment options throughout the day. The celebration will take place on 10 January 2026 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, running from 12:00 to 23:00, and adheres to a strict blue-and-white dress code, with guests expected to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Gates open at 11am, and the air will hum with smooth saxophone solos and upbeat jazz ensembles from Cape Town’s finest performers. Attendees can enjoy premium wines and gourmet offerings while soaking in the musical atmosphere, which will flow seamlessly into a vibrant after-party once the day’s racing concludes. Adding to the spectacle, majestic Lipizzaner horses will perform elegant displays, providing a perfect fusion of heritage, art, and equine athleticism.
Fashion aficionados will have plenty to admire, with Best Dressed competitions highlighting men’s, women’s, and hat categories. L’Ormarins King’s Plate style prizes from Cartier will reward the most striking blue-and-white ensembles, while the Style Lounge will buzz with content creators capturing summer’s most stylish moments amid pop-up bars and grazing stations. This is set to be more than a race day—it is Cape Town’s ultimate social showcase.
On the track, three Grade 1 races will deliver world-class racing excitement, headlined by the historic 165th running of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1600m. Early entries include Equus Horse of the Year 2022/23 Dave the King, 2023/24 champion Eight on Eighteen, KZN Raider Gladatorian, and Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 winner The Real Prince. Emerging stars Gimme Rules, Mon Petit Cherie, and Vapour Trail bring fresh intrigue, showcasing standout form in the Guineas and Green Point races. The full field, finalised in late December, promises a thrilling clash of Cape racing’s finest.
The Festival of Racing positions Hollywoodbets Kenilworth as the Western Cape’s lifestyle hub, where the worlds of fashion, jazz, and turf converge. This event will build momentum toward the Cape Town Met on 31 January, ensuring racegoers enjoy a rich, social, and sporting experience.
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