This year featured several internationally acclaimed races; the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate Oak Tree Stakes and Paddock Stakes, the only South African races that allow their winners entry into the Breeders' Cup Mile and the Glorious Goodwood Peninsula Stakes Grade 2.
"The L'Ormarins Queen's Plate 2014 exceeded expectations - from the horses to the guests to the entertainment. In excess of 6000 people attended and on-course betting turnover was up 25% from last year. It was an event that reminded all present of why LQP is considered the Cape's most prestigious horse racing event," says coordinator, Katherine Gray.
As one of the most popular events on Cape Town's summer social calendar, guests in attendance included the Earl and Countess of March, the Earl and Countess of Harrington, Her Majesty's representative and chairman of Ascot racecourse Johnny Weatherly, mining mogul Patrice Motsepe, international musician Mike Rutherford and former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan.
Off-track was the quintessence of elegance with guests in blue & white finery enjoying the horseracing action and various culinary and hospitality offerings at the Style Lounge, Drakenstein Luncheon, Jockey Club and the legendary Stud Club.
Celebrity judges, Bee Diamondhead (Marie Claire SA Junior Fashion Editor), Bronwyn Day (Glamour SA Fashion Editor), Malcolm KLûk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit (KLûK CGDT founders and designers), and Tammy Tinker (Merchants on Long Creative Director) presided over the traditional Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions, in addition to the first ever Best Dressed Man contest. This year's coveted accolades went to model/ TV presenter Cindy Nell-Roberts, fashion blogger Kim Gray and actor/ comedian Siv Ngesi respectively.
Other celebrities included Tracy McGregor, Lyndall Jarvis, surfing champ Jordy Smith, Olympic swimmer Ryk Neethling, Rob Louw, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Janez Vermeiren who mingled in the Stud Club before joining an electronic dance party led by local DJs Fresh and Euphonik and UK queen of dance, DJ Lora.
