The L’Ormarins King’s Plate, South Africa’s premier weight-for-age mile race, is back this weekend for its 164th edition.
Taking place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, this highly anticipated event promises to bring excitement to the world of horse racing.
With a field of 13 horses, including the recent winner of the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, One Stripe, the competition is set to be fierce.
Key Horses and Competitors
Among the contenders is One Stripe, fresh off his Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas win, as well as two visitors: Lucky Lad from Sean Tarry’s stable and Atticus Finch, a star from Alec Laird’s team.
Adding to the intrigue is Al Muthana, a 7-year-old horse returning to the race in hopes of securing a rare double victory.
Notably, Charles Dickens, last year’s champion, has retired to stud, leaving the title up for grabs.
Top Cape trainer Justin Snaith enters three of the 13 contenders in this exciting race.
The race will take place at 16:10, which is the seventh race on a nine-race card.
The event is also part of the R1 million Pick 6 carryover, starting at 14:15 and expected to reach R5 million by race time.
Record-Breaking Prize Fund
This year, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate boasts a record-breaking prize fund of R3 million, which represents a significant 50% increase from the previous year’s R2 million.
The winner of the prestigious race will walk away with R1,781,250, while second place takes home R570,000.
The prizes continue with third place earning R285,000, fourth place R142,500, and fifth place R71,250.
Horses and Jockeys in the Running
Here’s a breakdown of the horses, their jockeys, and trainers for the 2025 race:
- Al Muthana (AUS) – Gareth Wright, Ricky Maingard
- King Regent – Denis Schwarz, Glen Kotzen
- Oriental Charm – JP van der Merwe, Brett Crawford/James Crawford
- Atticus Finch – Raymond Danielson, Alec Laird
- One Stripe – Gavin Lerena, Vaughan Marshall
- Royal Aussie – Oisin Murphy, Justin Snaith
- At My Command – Kabelo Matsunyane, Brett Crawford/James Crawford
- See It Again – Rachel Venniker, Michael Roberts
- Great Plains – Grant van Niekerk, Justin Snaith
- Gimme A Prince – Craig Zackey, Dean Kannemeyer
- Lucky Lad – Serino Moodley, Sean Tarry
- Montien – Corne Orffer, Piet Botha
- Snow Pilot – Richard Fourie, Justin Snaith
The Cartier Paddock Stakes
In addition to the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, 11 fillies and mares will race in the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes, which will take place over 1,800m in Race 6 at 15:25.
This race carries a prize fund of R1 million and is highly regarded in the equestrian world as it marks excellence in a winner’s female bloodline.
The first-place finisher will earn R593,750, while second and third place will take home R190,000 and R95,000, respectively.
The field for the Cartier Paddock Stakes includes:
- Rainbow Lorikeet – Aldo Domeyer, Candice Bass-Robinson
- Gold Poker Game – Gareth Wright, Candice Bass-Robinson
- Saartjie – Corne Orffer, Andre Nel
- Knockout – JP van der Merwe, Justin Snaith
- Little Suzie – Grant van Niekerk, Justin Snaith
- Red Palace – Craig Zackey, Dean Kannemeyer
- Double Grand Slam – Richard Fourie, Justin Snaith
- Lavender Bay – Serino Moodley, Andre Nel
- Rascova – Gavin Lerena, Glen Kotzen
- World Of Alice – Calvin Habib, Sean Tarry
- Silver Sanctuary – Oisin Murphy, Mike de Kock
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn