The 165th edition of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate returned to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, 10 January, with its winning combination of storied heritage, high fashion, three elite Grade 1 races, and unparalleled global prestige.
Instantly recognisable by its iconic blue-and-white identity, this L’Ormarins-sponsored extravaganza (in its 22nd year of partnership) stood as one of the most elegant and internationally acclaimed racedays on the South African race calendar, and further elevated Cape Town’s summer social scene to world-class heights.
Triple the Thrill with Three Grade 1 Races
The day featured a stacked racecard, including three Grade 1 races that delivered back-to-back action.
First up was the Cartier Paddock Stakes WFA Grade 1 over 1 800m, which saw Wish List prevailing in a hard-run and enthralling race.
“I said to her ‘Go Girl’, and three strides later she told me it’s race over!” said veteran jockey, Andrew Fortune, who narrowly outdueled Reet Petite and Rainbow Lorikeet to lead Wish List to victory.
In one of the most moving moments in South African racing history, young trainer Dean Smith delivered a Grade 1 victory in the World Pool Cape Flying Championship (Race 7, 1 000m) – his first Grade 1 runner under license – just months after the heartbreaking death of his father, legendary Eastern Cape champion trainer Gavin Smith.
Dean, Gavin’s assistant, successor and son, stepped into the spotlight with a trainer’s license to honour his father’s legacy.
Racing the family’s speedster Kingdundee, Dean secured the prestigious sprint – now a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the November Turf Sprint with subsidised US travel.
“Dad prepared this horse perfectly; his eye for talent was unmatched. This win is for him, mum Marilyn, sister Abbi, and everyone who loved him,” Dean said post-race with tears in his eyes.
The Smith stable’s hallmark of reviving horses and ferocious work ethic shone through, turning family heartbreak into Grade 1 glory.
2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner, The Real Prince, took a photo finish win in the thrilling headline race, the Grade 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1 600m.
The Real Prince ultimately edged out Questioning and a charging See it Again after Dave The King set a cracking pace ahead of Legal Counsel and three-year-old Jan Van Goyen, which teed things up for the stretch runners.
Sail The Seas raced back in fourth and was an ever-present threat, but when Richard Fourie set Questioning in full flight down the centre and Craig Zackey unleashed The Real Prince down the inner, the entire race changed.
They went through the line virtually together, with the spectre of a rejuvenated See It Again jinking past tiring horses before launching a dramatic late surge towards the middle of the track ensuring a three-way photo finish.
“I was looking for a bit more of a spark, and I must say, when I cantered him down, the spark came at the right time!”, said jockey Craig Zackey about his heart-stopping victory.
A Winning Day for Justin Snaith
Premier trainer Justin Snaith had a fantastic day out, with six wins out of 10 races, including the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes and the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes – both with Andrew Fortune at the helm.
Premium Lifestyle Elevated: Couture, Culture, and Elegance
Beyond the thunder of hooves, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate was a masterclass in polished guest experience, where fashion reigned supreme.
The unmistakable blue-and-white dress code inspired tailored suits, elegant dresses and headpieces, with Cartier-sponsored Best Dressed competitions (Woman, Man, Hat) awarding coveted Juste un Clou bracelets, handbags, card holders, fragrances, and a Cartier pen.
High-end social culture pulsed through live jazz from the Cape’s finest premium cocktails, gourmet food stands, and a vibrant after party under the stars.
“The L’Ormarins King’s Plate was a fusion of 165 years’ of racing heritage and contemporary elegance, and we were proud to stage another blue-and-white spectacle where elite Group 1 racing met world-class fashion, live jazz, and Lipizzaner beauty. With World Pool’s global debut, three Breeders’ Cup qualifiers headlined by the historic mile, and Cartier’s Best Dressed competition, this day reaffirmed its place as one of South Africa’s most prestigious, internationally celebrated racedays that delivered unforgettable moments for every guest,” said Katherine Gray, Lead Planner, Coordinator and Event Manager, L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
The Lipizzaner display at the L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2026 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth featured majestic white stallions performing graceful classical dressage movements, including levades, courbettes, caprioles, and the intricate School Quadrille. These elegant displays captivated crowds with their centuries-old Viennese equestrian artistry.
Global Reach for Racing
The three Grade 1 races – the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, World Pool Cape Flying Championship (newly shifted from the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met), and the Cartier Paddock Stakes – formed the powerhouse trio of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifiers, granting automatic berths for SA stars to the US November Turf Mile and Turf Sprint.
Winning horses are allowed to quarantine in Europe from as early as March, giving South African horses a real shot at that huge international prize.
“The L’Ormarins King’s Plate was a racing masterpiece, said Justin Vermaak, Race Coast Executive, Racing and Bloodstock.
“Our runners peaked perfectly with World Pool’s global debut, and Breeders’ Cup qualifiers adding unprecedented prestige. From Champagne Castle’s juvenile fireworks to The Real Prince’s scorching run and photo finish in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, this 165th edition delivered the season’s most elite fields, international raiders, and thrilling finishes that reaffirm its iconic status in South African racing.”
In a groundbreaking milestone, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool incorporated all 10 races in their Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella, and Swinger pools for unprecedented liquidity and stakes boosts, which cemented the day’s global allure.
The World Pool combines bets from racing fans worldwide into one massive shared pot, increasing the prize money for races across both the local and international horse racing industry, and attracting global attention to local events, like the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
Over the coming weeks, the Summer Festival of Racing will continue with must-attend fixtures including the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met presents Symphony of Style on 31 January 2026 and the Seafood & Jazz Festival featuring the Lucky Fish Cape Derby on 28 February 2026.
Tickets for the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met are currently on sale at Computicket.
For more information on the line-up of events, visit www.caperacing.co.za.
