29 Jan 2025 L’Ormarins King’s Plate

“He’s phenomenal,” said trainer Vaughan Marshall of One Stripe after the three-year-old caused a sensation when winning the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Grade 1 over 1 600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on January 4. Saturday’s race was the 164th renewal of South Africa’s oldest continuous horse race, which dates back to 1861. When asked what One Stripe’s key attributes are, Marshall responded without hesitation, “It’s his speed, and that he’s got gears – jockey Gavin Lerena will confirm that …”

For much of the long straight it looked like One Stripe would fall short as Gimme A Prince moved up menacingly to challenge a forging Montien. But neither could withstand the dramatic late rush that Lerena summoned from the gear-shifting One Stripe, who started as the popular 11/10 favourite. The winner’s final time was 97,63 seconds. Montien emerged with honour in defeat while Gimme A Prince also did well to secure third spot. Royal Aussie rounded out the leading quartet. They were followed by Snow Pilot, Lucky Lad, Oriental Charm, King Regent, Atticus Finch, Great Plains, At My Command, Al Muthana and See It Again.

The winner was bred at Drakenstein Stud and is out of the Silvano mare, Silver Stripe. He has now won six of eight starts, including the Punters Cup, Cape Guineas (Grade 1), and now this prestigious cross-generational Grade 1 Weight-For-Age mile showdown.

One Stripe received R1 781 250 for his victory, while Montien took home R570 000. Gimme A Prince’s third place was worth R285 000, Royal Aussie’s fourth saw the connections pocket R142 500, while the fifth-placed finisher Snow Pilot earned R71 250.

As usual, FMM sent vehicles for display, all in the event’s colour theme of blue and white. The cars on view were the 1928 Ford Model A, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, and the 1965 Ford Mustang. The iconic 1953 BMW Isetta once again took pride of place in the Style Village, offering the perfect backdrop for the well-dressed ladies and gentlemen in attendance.

Typically, the event was a spectacle of grandeur. This illustrious event, renowned as one of South Africa’s most prestigious mile races, welcomed over 2 500 guests dressed to the nines, creating a vivid tapestry of style and sophistication. The day offered a seamless fusion of high fashion and thrilling horse racing, reaffirming its status as an unmissable highlight on the cultural and sporting calendar. The L’Ormarins King’s Plate not only celebrated the finest in horse racing, but also brought together a community of individuals who appreciate the art of blending sport with elegance.