Cape Town’s premier social event of the summer, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, will dazzle Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 10 January 2026, blending high fashion, live jazz and world-class thoroughbred action into an unforgettable day out.
Racegoers are invited to embrace the iconic blue-and-white dress code that will transform the grandstands into a sea of elegant sophistication against the summer greens backdrop.
The atmosphere will pulse with live jazz from top Cape performers, setting a sophisticated tone from gates opening at 11:00.
Vibrant after-party
Attendees can sip premium wines while soaking up smooth saxophone solos and upbeat ensembles, with the music spilling into a vibrant after-party to keep the energy soaring long after the final race.
Adding equine elegance, majestic Lipizzaner horses promise to captivate crowds with their graceful displays, perfectly complementing the day’s blend of heritage and high energy.
Fashion will take centre stage as the Best Dressed competitions crown winners in men’s, women’s and hat categories, with L’Ormarins King’s Plate style prizes from Cartier awarded for the most striking blue-and-white ensembles.
From tailored suits and flowing dresses to extravagant headpieces, the Style Lounge will buzz with content creators snapping outfits amid pop-up bars and gourmet grazing stations.
This won’t just be a race day – it will be Cape Town’s see-and-be-seen event, where summer style meets seamless entertainment for all ages.
RESULT | L’Ormarins King’s Plate result: One Stripe romps to victory in 2025
On the track, three Grade 1 races will deliver pulse-pounding excitement, headlined by the historic 165th running of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1 600m.
Early entries promise fireworks, featuring Equus Horse of the Year 2022/23 Dave the King, 2023/24 champion Eight on Eighteen, KwaZulu-Natal raider Gladatorian, and Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 winner, The Real Prince.
Exciting newcomers Gimme Rules, Mon Petit Cherie and Vapour Trail will add fresh intrigue, building on their standout Guineas and Green Point form as key feeders to this elite showdown.
With entries finalised by late December, the full field will guarantee a clash of Cape racing’s finest.
Race Coast’s Festival of Racing will peak here, positioning Hollywoodbets Kenilworth as the Western Cape’s lifestyle hub where jazz, fashion and turf thrills converge.
Ticket Options
Two premium ticket categories, The Style Lounge Village and The Stud Club, are available, with both offering elevated experiences.
The Style Lounge Village (R600) provides an entrance where the King’s Plate begins, with sunshine, racing, entertainment, fine Anthonij Rupert wines, L’Ormarins Brut and local food vendors. It includes access to horse racing and the after party, wine bars, food concessionaires, access to the Franschhoek Motor Museum car displays, tote facilities and in-field parking.
The exclusive Stud Club (R1 800) area overlooks the track in a prime position, hosting racegoers seeking buzz and luxuries. This limited area features a decorated space with private bars, totes, lounge and cocktail seating; selected complimentary Anthonij Rupert wines and beer plus a cash bar (11:00-17:30); light lunch and snacks (12:00-15:00); entrance to Style Lounge Village, Stud Club, racing and after party; car displays; and in-field parking.
For more information on the line-up of events on the day, visit https://lormarinskingsplate.co.za
