The 164th renewal of South Africa's premier weight-for-age mile, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, promises an electrifying contest with 17 entries nominated for the prestigious Grade 1 event. The race, offering a R3 million purse, is scheduled for January 4, 2025, at  Kenilworth and will feature a mix of seasoned campaigners, rising sophomores, and regional stars. Most importantly, it is a 'Win and You're In' Breeders' Cup race as is the Gr1 Paddock Stakes on the same day. The winners are invited to race in Del Mar at year end. 

Among the standout entries is One Stripe, the Cape Guineas winner, whose chances hinge on a fair draw. Vaughan Marshall’s colt will face stiff opposition from the Justin Snaith duo Eight On Eighteen and Great Plains, who placed second and third, respectively, in the Guineas.

The field also boasts representation from prominent visiting trainers. Sean Tarry’s Lucky Lad and Alec Laird’s Summer Cup hero Atticus Finch add serious quality, while Johan Janse van Vuuren brings Barbaresco and East Cape stalwart Gavin Smith saddles Bingwa. Adding intrigue, Ricky Maingard could bring back Al Muthana, the shock winner of the 2022 renewal.

Full Entry List: L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Grade 1) – R3,000,000 – 1600m

1. Al Muthana (AUS) – Ricky Maingard – 120

2. At My Command – BJ Crawford/JI Crawford – 119

3. Atticus Finch – Alec Laird – 121

4. Barbaresco – J A Janse van Vuuren – 122

5. Bingwa – Gavin Smith – 120

6. Eight On Eighteen – Justin Snaith – 115

7. Gimme A Prince – Dean Kannemeyer – 130

8. Great Plains – Justin Snaith – 112

9. King Regent – Glen Kotzen – 114

10. Lucky Lad – Sean Tarry – 125

11. Montien – Piet Botha – 120

12. One Stripe – Vaughan Marshall – 118

13. Oriental Charm – BJ Crawford/JI Crawford – 125

14. Royal Aussie – Justin Snaith – 124

15. See It Again – Michael Roberts – 131

16. Snow Pilot – Justin Snaith – 125

17. Without Question – Justin Snaith – 118

The King’s Plate carries a storied legacy dating back to its inaugural running in 1861, originally named the Queen’s Plate in honor of Queen Victoria. Its royal ties remain strong, transitioning between the King’s and Queen’s Plate depending on the reigning monarch. It was run over 3 miles at that stage and transitioned to its current distance in 1948.

Cartier Paddock Stakes Attracts 13 Fillies and Mares

The R1 million Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes, contested over 1800m, will see 13 fillies and mares competing for glory. Headlining the entries is Justin Snaith’s Double Grand Slam, who silenced her critics with a commanding victory of late beating nemesis, Rascova. Top contenders also include Mike de Kock’s Silver Sanctuary, Candice Bass-Robinson’s Rainbow Lorikeet, and Sean Tarry’s World Of Alice.

Full Field: Cartier Paddock Stakes (Grade 1) – R1,000,000 – 1800m

1. Double Grand Slam – Justin Snaith – 119

2. Gold Poker Game – Candice Bass-Robinson – 107

3. Indian Ocean – Lorenzo Karriem – 107

4. Knockout – Justin Snaith – 103

5. Lavender Bay – Andre Nel – 71

6. Little Suzie – Justin Snaith – 107

7. Rainbow Lorikeet – Candice Bass-Robinson – 105

8. Rascova – Glen Kotzen – 119

9. Red Palace – Dean Kannemeyer – 119

10. Saartjie – Andre Nel – 118

11. Silver Sanctuary – Mike de Kock – 117

12. Whistle The Tune – Glen Kotzen – 103

13. World Of Alice – Sean Tarry – 108

Important Dates to Note

Supplementary entries close: Friday, December 27, 11:00

Final declarations due: Monday, December 30, 11:00

With a rich history and a stellar lineup, the 2025 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and Cartier Paddock Stakes are poised to deliver unforgettable moments, continuing their legacy as highlights of South Africa's summer racing season.

Image Cape Racing