South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious horserace, the L’Ormarins Queens Plate will take place on its customary dates next year, on Friday, January 8 and Saturday, January 9, 2021.
A landmark renewal in more ways than one, 2021 not only marks the 160th running of South Africa’s premier weight-for-age mile but will also see the festival conducted under Covid 19 Protocols, with no spectators permitted on course.
While the Coronavirus may have brought unexpected challenges, following in its wake are unexpected innovation, creative thinking, and a renewed sense of determination and community spirit – both areas in which South Africans, and Capetonians in particular, excel.
All these elements will be harnessed to make the 2021 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate an event to remember.
While circumstance dictates a different format to previous years, the stars of the show will all still be there, along with the celebration of tradition and above all sportsmanship that makes the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Racing Festival one of the best horse racing experiences in the world.
The festival gets underway on Friday afternoon, with the Gr2 Sceptre Stakes and Listed Jamaica Handicap sharing top billing on the day’s 8 race programme.
The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is the undisputed jewel of Saturday’s 10 race line-up, but with irresistible drawcards such as the Gr1 Paddock Stakes, the Gr2 Premier Stakes, and the Gr3 Chairman’s Cup, the day guarantees the very best racing talent on offer.
First held in 1861, the Queen’s Plate was contested for a purse of 500 sovereigns and the iconic silver plate gifted by HM Queen Victoria. Today, it remains one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in South Africa and a trophy that everyone aspires to have in their cabinet.
The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate festival has always been a chance to celebrate sporting excellence in the company of great friends with the best the Cape has to offer in food, wines, and entertainment. While the on-course experience will not be available to the general public for 2021, the L’Ormarins team will be channelling their efforts into the TV broadcast to ensure everyone has a front-row seat.
Says Katherine Gray, co-ordinator of LQP 2021: “A celebration is not simply something to mark an achievement – it’s also a symbol of hope and an affirmation of confidence in the future.
We always take pride in delivering something fresh and creative, but with so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to, this year more than most, L’Ormarins are committed to delivering an event to remember. We extend to all our very warmest welcome to our 2021 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Festival.”
Picture: Supplied