The winner of the Western Cape’s most prestigious weight-for-age equestrian event, the l’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, will not only win the R1 million purse but could also be racing against the world’s greatest thoroughbreds in the $26 million Breeders’ Cup day in the same year of its running.
The multi-million Breeders’ Cup race-meeting takes place annually in the USA in November.
This revolutionary partnership comes after negotiations between race horse trainer, Jonathan Snaith representing L’Ormarins , and Breeders’ Cup Director of Racing, Jonathan Christian, with the aim to incorporate the Queen’s Plate into the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” Series.
Owing to the enormous support the Breeders’ Cup has received from South African breeders to date, both Snaith and Christian strongly believe that designating a South African race as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge event is essential.
“The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate has been positioned as not only the most celebrated weight-for-age South African equestrian championship, but also South Africa’s first international horse race. Any partnership formed with the Breeders’ Cup will enhance its status on the world stage,” says Jonathan Snaith.
One of South Africa’s most important calendar meets, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will be held at Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town on 12 January, with equestrian contenders competing for the R1 million purse and race-goers looking to land best-dressed honours.
The L’Ormarins Queens Plate winner will not only be provided free entry into the Breeders’ Cup Mile (normal entry fee is 3% of the purse) but receive $20 000 travel assistance and lifetime racing eligibility to the annual Breeders’ Cup World Championship event and programmes.
This offer will revert to the 2nd place getter should the owners of the winning horse not accept the offer.
Snaith and Christian are still negotiating the eligibility conditions pertaining to aspirants for the 2012 Queen’s Plate, as the race had not been confirmed as part of the “In if You’re win” series prior to the June 30 Open enrollment deadline.
A Breeders’ Cup representative will attend on the day and present the winning connections of the 2013 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate with a Breeders’ Cup congratulatory trophy which will signify the winner’s entry into the honourable event.
Sponsored by L’Ormarins since 2005, the Queen’s Plate is also one of the Cape’s acclaimed social gatherings where art and passion are captured not only in equestrian endeavors 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 is reflected in blue & white race day fashions, world-class entertainment and a variety of hospitality & culinary offerings which suggest the perfect place to share good wine with friends, enjoy the races and dance the night away.
L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, 11am-11pm, January 12, 2013, Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town.
Tickets can be purchased through Computicket or the website www.lqp.co.za.
