Fix those bowties and dust off the fascinators, we’re going to the races!
Kick off the New Year in style with South Africa’s most regal event of the year! The L’Omarins Queen’s Plate, hosted at the beautiful Kenilworth Racecourse, is one of the most elite and fashionable events of the year. Internationally recognised and locally renowned for its prestige, there’s a common trend every year at the equestrian event and no matter who you are, you have to stick to the dress code; blue and white. Elegance and good manners married with thrilling horse racing are what make this event and here’s what you need to know to be the quintessential guest.
First Things First
Get your tickets! No tickets? Reading this post will give you serious FOMO. Book at Computicket.
Look like Royalty, Act like Royalty, Be Royalty
Okay, so you don’t need to hail from the land of tea and biscuits to attend, but if you ever needed to see if prep school was really worth it, this is the time. Keep your clothes clean and behave.
Think of it as a fancy tea party, except it’s gin and T and way fancier than you think.
Dress to Impress
One of the biggest highlights of this event is the L’Omarins Best Dressed and Best Hat competition, but to enter, you need to follow the dress code guidelines.
With winner’s gifts from Cartier paired with L’Ormarins Brut, you absolutely want to dress to impress.
The Dress Code
Wearing blue and white is an absolute must. Here’s some outfit ideas that will make every picture Instagram-worthy.
Ladies…
If the Queen were casual…
So perhaps this look isn’t casual enough for a trip to the mall, but if you’re heading to one of the prestigious events of the year, this is as casual as it gets.
For a look that does the most with the least amount of effort, go for a printed dress such as this navy Cascading Floral Print Midi Dress by City Goddess London for only R769. To finish the look, pair it with simple white courts, a sun hat and store all your winning tickets in a chic crossbody.
I want to be noticed!
If you want to look and feel like a guest at the Royal Wedding, but don’t really want to go all out, try this look.
This look is all about the long, flowing fabric that will make you seem as if you’re elegantly floating across the floor when you’re placing your bets. It is also versatile as you can dress it up or down to your liking and the open neckline of the dress allows you to wear a dramatic neckpiece or extra-long earrings.
I’m here for the first prize
Clean, classy and comely.
This look could be the future of the Queen’s Plate so don’t be surprised if you’re called up to collect your prize.
… and Gentlemen
Shirts fit for the Prince
This event is at the heart of summer so keep cool, yet classy by shopping through our shirt selections.
What sets look this apart from your braai outfit are the colours paired and accessories used, but is still versatile enough to be dressed down for a relaxed outfit when you’re actually braaing.
As you can tell by my stylish outfit, I came with a dame
Step up your fashion game so you can be called a stylish couple when you’re with your lady.
You can never go wrong with suiting up and this tweaked version for summer will keep your looking hot while you stay cool.
A look to suit that winning Brut
Get ready to find a safe place to store your Cartier prize that you’ll win with this look.
Don’t forget to share your elegant looks with us!
Chill Zones
There will be various lounging spots that cater to your needs (and budget), each with a unique experience. Below is all the ticket information you need to help you decide what suits you best.
FRIDAY
1. On the Friday, a limited number of guests will be able to experience the LQP Garden Party (R500 per person) complete with bottomless L’Ormarins MCC, Heineken-on-tap, a harvest table, live jazz and access to the racing.
Perks: This is probably the best value ticket of the weekend as it also entitles guests to access the famous Style Lounge Village on the second day of the festival.
2. The Somerset Room on Friday (R 300 per person) will cater for guests who prefer a sit-down, three course luncheon and beautiful views of the track and Table Mountain.
Perks: Guests will also have access to the races and a private bar with toilet and tote facilities.
SATURDAY
3. As is tradition, Saturday’s festivities will include the Style Lounge (R 350 per person), which provides access to the Style Lounge Village.
Perks: Guests can mingle while enjoying horse racing, entertainment, fine Anthonij Rupert wines, L’Ormarins Brut, local food vendors, tote facilities, parking, and last but not least: the all-too-famous after party.
4. Due to it’s position and unbeatable atmosphere, the Stud Club (R 1,300) per person) is the most popular hospitality marquee at the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.
Perks: Over looking the track, this area accommodates up to 200 guests, who will enjoy a complimentary light lunch, snacks, selected beverages and a private cash bar as well as access to the Style Lounge Village, after-party and the Franschhoek Motor Museum and BMW car displays.
5. Guests who are looking to enjoy LQP in the ultimate luxury can opt for the Stud Members Club & LQP Lounge (R 3,500 per head/ R35,000 per table of ten), which will include exclusive seating in the Stud Members Club and a private table in the LQP Lounge, as well as access to a raised VIP area at the after party limited to 100 people.
Perks: Also included are a complimentary light lunch, snacks, selected beverages as well as access to the Franschhoek Motor Museum and BMW car displays.
6. The popular Paddock Sites (R 1,000 per table of 10) is set along the rail in a private covered wind protected area next to the Winner’s Circle. Tickets to the Paddock Sites will include a luxurious picnic basket, filled with a variety of lunch-time treats including a selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
Perks: Both these options include access to the races, the after-party as well as the Franchhoek Motor Museum and BMW displays.
7. The Kenilworth Jazz Room (R 1,500) returns with its exquisite views of the course, live jazz and access to the Style Lounge Village and after party. Tickets will include a three course meal with complimentary selected Anthonij Rupert wines and full local bar.
8. The Somerset Room (R600) guarantees a three course meal in the comfort of the Kenilworth Building, with prime views of the course.
Playing To Win
So now that you look the part and have your seat, here’s some need to know info on placing that winning bet.
Past Winners
To make an educated bet, it’s always good to know who’s been dominating, but remember to check in with that gut instinct, too. Here are the winners for the past five years.
2017 Legal Eagle
2016 Legal Eagle
2015 Futura
2014 Capetown Noir
2013 Variety Club
Race Betting
Now that you know who you’re betting on, you need to figure out how to place your bet. Below is a helpful guide, but remember that there will be a plethora of totes, betting guides and betting buddies along with racing information on the course that you can refer to should you be feeling confused or overwhelmed, the idea is to have fun!
There are 7 basic bets in horse racing:
Win
Predict the first horse past the post.
Place
Choose a horse that you think will finish in the first two if there are six or seven runners, in the first three if there are between eight to fifteen runners, or in the first four if there are sixteen or more runners in a race.
Swinger
Select 2 horses to fill any 2 of the first 3 positions in a race. 1st & 2nd, 1st & 3rd and 2nd & 3rd.
Exacta
Predict two horses to finish 1st and 2nd in the exact order.
Trifecta
Predict the first three horses past the post in the exact order.
Quartet
Predict the first four horses past the post in the exact order.
Double
Predict the winners of any two consecutive races.
Pick 3
Predict the winners of any three consecutive races.
Jackpot
Predict the winner of 4 consecutive races designated as the ‘Jackpot’ races. See racecard for the Jackpot races.
Pick 6
Predict the winner of 6 consecutive races designated as the ‘Pick 6’ races. See racecard for the Pick 6 races.
Place Accumulator
Predict horses that place in the top 3 of 7 consecutive races designated as’ Place Accumulator’ races. See racecard for Place Accumulator races.
Do note that strictly no under-18s will be permitted to enter the venue. Attendees are required to adhere to the strict dress code and no other colours, fancy dress, open shoes, shorts or jeans will be allowed; right of admission is reserved.
