Date announced for L'Ormarins Queen's Plate

It was 1861 when the Queen's Plate race first thundered on African soil, with a prize of a silver plate and 500 sovereigns donated to the winner by Queen Victoria. The race signalled a meeting of racing excellence, style and grace that has continued to this day.

South Africa's weight-for-age race features the best 16 thoroughbred horses in South Africa, accepted according to their merit ratings.

The running of the 2013 L'Ormarins Queens Plate will have a new star born over the mile race with the 2012 Equus Champion, Variety Club, starting as favourite with the likely challenger being 2012 Durban July favourite, Jackson.

Wine, art and vintage cars

Sponsored by L'Ormarins since 2005, the Queen's Plate is also one of the Cape's acclaimed social gatherings at which art and passion are captured not only in equestrian endeavours, but also in the ancient winemaking skills displayed in Antonij Rupert Wines, as well as a collection of classic, rare Mercedes-Benz cars on display, courtesy of the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

An elegance of occasion, meanwhile, is reflected in royal blue-and-white race-day fashions, world-class entertainment and a variety of hospitality and culinary offerings.

An annual highlight is always the late afternoon announcement of the Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions with judging by some of South Africa's top fashion designers and media personalities.

After the dust has settled, the best of South African DJs: Fresh and the Wedding DJs take to the stage at the L'Ormarins Style Lounge to play into the night.