L'Ormarins Queen's Plate Racing Festival

Steeped in tradition and prestige, the L'Ormarins Queen’s Plate is the oldest horse racing event in South Africa bearing international significance. The event was first raced in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria. When she died, the race became the King's Plate during the reigns of Edward VII and George VI but reverted to its original name in 1953 after the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. To this day, Queen Elizabeth retains a keen interest in the race and its outcome, and she is represented at the event every year by the British High Commissioner, the Hon Dr Nicola Brewer. The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate not only hosts courageous and determined champion racehorses, but its stylish theme of blue and white also brings elegance and beauty into the mix