L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2026: A spectacle of racing, fashion, and emotion

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Three Grade 1 Highlights

Cartier Paddock Stakes (Gr 1, 1800m): Wish List claimed victory under veteran jockey Andrew Fortune.

World Pool Cape Flying Championship (Gr 1, 1000m): A deeply emotional win for trainer Dean Smith with Kingdundee, honouring the legacy of his late father, Gavin Smith.

L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Gr 1, 1600m): The Real Prince, the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner, edged out rivals in a dramatic three-way photo finish.

Standout performances

Champion trainer Justin Snaith dominated the day with six winners, including two Grade 1 victories.

The races formed part of a powerful trio of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifiers, offering South African horses a pathway to global competition.

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Fashion, culture and experience

Beyond the track, the event delivered a premium lifestyle experience. Guests embraced the blue-and-white dress code, live jazz, gourmet food and Cartier-sponsored Best Dressed competitions, while the Lipizzaner horse display added classical elegance.

Image by Chris Hitchcock

Global reach

In a major milestone, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool included all 10 races, boosting international liquidity and spotlighting South African racing on a global stage.

With its mix of historic racing, emotional triumphs and world-class spectacle, the 2026 L’Ormarins King’s Plate once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s sporting and social calendar.

Over the coming weeks, the Summer Festival of Racing will continue with must-attend fixtures including the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met presents Symphony of Style on 31 January 2026, the Seafood & Jazz Festival feat the Lucky Fish Cape Derby on 28 February 2026.