The 2026 L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2026 takes place this Saturday on the 10th of January and it is the perfect way to end off the season festivities. The King’s Plate is South Africa’s oldest thorough bread horse race and its roots can be traced back to 1861 when the first race took place.
The race was first named the after Queen Victoria who donated a silver plate and 500 gold coins. The name of the event changes as the monarch change and it was renamed to the King’s Plate when King Charles II ascended to the throne in 2022. The British High Commissioner usually attends the L’Ormarins King’s Plate on behalf of the Royal family and the same will be for 2026.
The Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse has been the venue of the Grade 1 race since the late 1800s and this year marks the 165th running of the race.
The King’s Plate Is a Social Affair
The King’s Plate is a big social event on the calendar for Capetonian socialites and the like, so fashion and flair will take centre stage. The event has a strict dress code white and blue and features like many other horse races a best dressed competition. The l ormarins is strictly for over 18s and hospitality prices reflect just how elite this race is with prices ranging from R600 for R1800 per person. The ticket also gives access to the after party.
Therefore come in your best dress, hats or suits and you may be picked by the scouts to be shortlisted for the competion. Alternatively have a dress up party at home with some white and blue trets and place your horse racing bets against each other for some home entertainment.
Race Length and Purse
The distance of the race has changed over the years. People widely accept that earlier races ran over much longer distances, following European race lengths of around two miles. Organisers introduced the one-mile (1600m) distance in 1948 and have kept it ever since. There are a total of 10 races taking place on Saturday with the first horses entering the starting gate 12:45.
These include Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 races. The Lormarins kings plate is the main race and number eight for the day and will start at 16:45. The purse for one of Mzansi’s biggest horse races of the year is impressive with R3 million. The races can also be watched from home via live streaming which is available at the lormarinskingsplate.co.za.
Favourites to win the L’Ormarins King’s Plate
The 165th edition of this prestigious race promises to be highly competitive, with many of South Africa’s top horses taking part. Deciding on which horse to back can be a little difficult. Here are some of the top horses that pundits think have a chance to take this year’s title.
- Callan Murray rides Jan van Goyen and many see the horse as one of the favourites. Jan van Goyen is no stranger to the horse racing world and the win at Cape Guineas makes him worthy of a bet.
- Eight on eighteen is another horse that is the talk around the water cooler. This 4 year old is under British jockey Oisin Murphy which could improve their chances.
- The real Prince needs no introduction after winning the Durban July just a few months ago. This five year old, has the experience of big competitions and is a major competitor this year.
- Dave the King has been on form recently and is under jockey Ryan Munger. Does this 6 year old have the stamina to take on the rest of the field? Pundits certainly believe that they do.
Underdogs to Watch
The favourites mentioned above carry relatively low odds compared to the competing underdogs. Here is a selection of horses that may not be favourites but still have a strong chance of winning the race.
Sail the Seas is a horse that just needs to peak at the right time to win the race. The horse won at Kenilworth in 2025 under jockey Oisin Murphy and has had many favourable returns for punters over the year.
Garrix is another underdog worth mentioning and had two Grade wins in 2025. The L’Ormarins King’s Plate horse racing event has something for everyone and is perfect race to start the 2026 horse racing calendar.
Best Horse Racing Sites in South Africa
As the excitement builds for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2026, choosing the right horse racing site becomes just as important as picking the right runner. South African punters want competitive odds, fast payouts, and a smooth betting experience, especially on a race day this big.
Fortunately, Mzansi bettors have access to several trusted and licensed horse racing betting sites that deliver exactly that. These platforms offer dedicated racing markets, in-depth form guides, live betting, and generous promotions tailored for major events like the King’s Plate. As a result, whether you prefer betting pre-race or getting involved in the action live. The best horse racing sites in South Africa put you right at the heart of the spectacle.
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FAQ
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is one of South Africa’s biggest and most prestigious horse races, featuring elite horses, top jockeys, and massive betting interest every year.
The race usually takes place in January during Cape Town’s peak summer racing season. Final dates are confirmed closer to race day every year.
The event runs at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most iconic racing venues.
Yes. Licensed South African betting sites offer online betting on the King’s Plate, including fixed odds, tote bets, and live betting on race day. Visit sites such as 10bet, Hollywoodbets and Gbets to just name a few.
Win, place, and each-way bets are the most popular. However, experienced punters often explore exactas, trifectas, and quartets for bigger payouts.
The race name changes with the British monarch. After King Charles III was crowned, the event officially became the King’s Plate thus continuing a tradition that dates back over a century.
