The L'Ormarins Queen's Plate Festival

The running of the 161st Queen's Plate and the 6th year of the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate racing festival takes place on Friday, 7 and Saturday, 8 January.

The Queen’s Plate is unmatched in its meaningful and regal history. Maintained and lovingly cultivated over its 160 yearly iterations.

The first Queen’s Plate was run in 1861. Queen Victoria gifted a silver plate and 500 sovereigns for the winner to the South African Turf Club. During the reigns of King Edward VII and King George VI (1901 to 1952), the race was run as the King’s plate, reverting to the Queen’s plate when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne. The race has strong ties to the monarch to this day, despite the changes it has undergone in prize as well distance as it shortened from 3200m to 1600m in 1948.

L’Ormarins has been the Plate’s main sponsor since 2005, and it was extended into the 2 day festival of racing we know today in 2017.

Being a weight-for-age race ensures a contest of pure talent. Long term racing fans iconic names such as LEGAL EAGLE, JET MASTER, DO IT AGAIN, VARIETY CLUB, SLEDGEHAMMER, SEA COTTAGE and of course, four-time winner, POCKET POWER as only a sample of the champions to win this race.

Deservedly, the LQP Festival is an elegant event. A smart, blue and white, dress code aids in maintaining the long-established noble personality of the affair.

Opening day on Friday, 7 January 2022 will include the Gr2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes run over 1200m among other races on the exciting card. A smart, blue and white, dress code aids in maintaining the long-established noble personality of the affair.

The Festival’s second leg on Saturday, 8 January 2022 will see 11 horses will run 161st Queen’s Plate, following the Gr1 Cartier Paddock Stakes. Punters may recognise last season’s winner, JET DARK, returning to defend his title and 2021 Durban July star, KOMMETDIEDING among the line up.

As Covid has become a staple in our daily lives, in person attendance will be limited to sponsors, owners and trainers along with their guests. All attendees, and staff, are required to be fully vaccinated and wear a mask to gain admission. However, the entire event will be broadcast live. More details on the LQP website.