L'ORMARINS QUEEN'S PLATE (WFA) GRADE 1

Gold Circle is delighted to announce the sponsorship of the WFA Grade 1 Queen’s Plate by L’Ormarins Private Wine Cellar.

One of the oldest estates in the Franschhoek Valley, L’Ormarins was established in 1694 and acquired by the Rupert family in 1969.

The Queen’s Plate, a Weight-For-Age contest in line with the world’s most prestigious Grade 1 events, is one of South Africa’s premier races over 1600m and plays an important role in establishing South Africa’s Champion Miler.

The Queen’s Plate is also the traditional lead up to the J&B Met, and as the winner carries no penalty into the Met, it ensures a top class field every season.

Some of South African racing’s true superstars have been winners and, indeed, dual winners, of the Queen’s Plate; Sea Cottage in the 60s, Sledgehammer and Politician in the 70s, Wolf Power in the 80s, Jet Master at the turn of the 21st century and Free My Heart in the new millennium. Add to these names such as Foveros (GB), Flaming Rock (Ire), Empress Club (Arg), London News and Trademark, and there can be no doubt as to the quality and prestige of the race.

Last season the race was won by Horse-Of-The-Year Winter Solstice, who will be bidding to have his name added to the illustrious list of dual winners in 2006.

It is befitting for a race of this stature to be sponsored by the magnificent L’Ormarins Private Wine Cellar, with its long history and established reputation for excellence.

The 2006 Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (WFA) will be the 145th running of the event, and is scheduled to be run on Sunday, 1 January, at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town.

Gold Circle is proud to welcome L’Ormarins as a sponsor and looks forward to a mutually fruitful association.