High stakes and high style at the 2025 L'Ormarins King's Plate
On Saturday, January 4th, the esteemed L'Ormarins King's Plate was held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, welcoming over 2,500 guests to partake in an exceptional day of hospitality, competitive horse racing, and refined fashion.
As the inaugural Gr 1 race of the 2025 summer season, the event successfully showcased the pinnacle of the sporting and social calendar.
The highlight of the day was the race for the R3 million prize pot, where One Stripe, bred by Drakenstein Stud and ridden by jockey Gavin Lerena, and trained by Vaughan Marshall, emerged as the victor.
Since mid- November this 3YO colt has won six of eight starts, including the Punters Cup, Cape Guineas (Gr 1), and now this prestigious cross-generational Gr 1 weight for age mile showdown.
Additional victories on the track included Asiye Phambili in the Cartier Sceptre Stakes and King Pelles capturing the Glorious Goodwood Chairman's Cup, further punctuating the day's accomplishments.
In the realm of fashion, Christine Vermaak was honoured with the title of Best Dressed.
Wearing a blue and white silk dress by local designer, Sindiso Khumalo, paired with an Okapi x Millerner headpiece, Christine reflected on her win by stating, "It was so exciting to be nominated and an incredible honour to win best dressed at the L’Ormarins King’s Plate! It means a lot to be recognised, and the exposure for the designers is wonderful."
Each winner in the Best Dressed category received exquisite jewellery, and accessories, all generously sponsored by Cartier.
Ryan Burks, representing America, was awarded the title of Best Dressed Man, while Gaby Mengstab won recognition for Best Hat with her beautifully crafted artisanal headpiece.
Commenting on the fashion displayed, Sophie Doireau, Chief Executive Officer MEIA for Cartier, noted, "Everyone looked especially sophisticated and elegant this year, making the final decision quite challenging."
While the competition on the track may be over, the wins continue with the L'Ormarins King's Plate Moments and Writers competition. Here, race-goers have the opportunity to win R20,000 for either the best photograph or written retelling of the day. This competition is open to all attendees and encourages the day to be captured through unique memories and experiences from the event.
The 2025 L'Ormarins King's Plate exemplified a refined blend of horse racing and sophisticated fashion, laying a solid foundation for the summer racing season ahead.