CAPE TOWN KING'S PLATE RACING TOUR
Featuring the 166th renewal of the L'Ormarins King's Plate
Cape Town, South Africa
January 2027
We are delighted to introduce a South African racing tour built around one of the most stylish and prestigious racedays in the world, the Kings Plate, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Town.
Based in Cape Town, a city famed for its dramatic coastline, mountain scenery and vibrant atmosphere, this tour combines world class racing with unforgettable experiences across the Western Cape. This option is designed purely for racing enthusiasts and runs alongside the main group, without the cricket element.
Racing takes centre stage with exclusive access to the Cape Town equine world, including a memorable early morning on the beach watching racehorses exercise along the shoreline, and a visit to leading local stables to meet trainers and see horses on the gallops.
The highlight of the tour is the prestigious Kings Plate at Kenilworth Racecourse, South Africa’s most fashionable raceday, where you will enjoy full hospitality in a private box overlooking the finishing straight. Beyond the racecourse, you will experience some of the Cape’s most iconic sights, from the famous African penguins at Boulders Bay to the spectacular scenery of the Cape coastline and winelands.
A three night luxury safari extension is also available for those looking to make the journey even more memorable.
Flights available from UK and Ireland. Talk to us at time of booking for flight options.
Friday 1 January
• Flight from the UK to Cape Town on an overnight journey
Saturday 2 January
• Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your chosen hotel
• Check in and time to relax after your journey
• Welcome drinks in the evening
• Hosted welcome dinner with the group
Sunday 3 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• First day of the Test Match at Newlands Cricket Ground, one of the most picturesque venues in the world
Monday 4 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Second day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Guided visit to the V and A Waterfront followed by a boat trip to Robben Island for a fascinating historical tour
Tuesday 5 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Third day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: V and A Waterfront visit and Robben Island tour for those not attending the cricket
Wednesday 6 January
• Early morning visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers
• Watch racehorses exercise on the gallops
• Return to the hotel for breakfast
• Fourth day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Trip up Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town
Thursday 7 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Final scheduled day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Free day with optional excursions available, including Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope, or a scenic coastal tour via Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Simon’s Town
Friday 8 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Early morning beach visit to watch top racehorses train along the shoreline with a leading trainer
• Visit to Boulders Bay to see the famous African penguin colony
• Hosted dinner in the evening with special racing guest
Saturday 9 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Attend the prestigious King’s Plate raceday
• Private hospitality box overlooking the finishing straight
• All food and drink included throughout the raceday
• Post racing entertainment with live music and a vibrant social atmosphere
Sunday 10 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Full day tour of the Constantia Winelands
• Visits to two wine estates with tastings
• Lunch included at one of the estates
• Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak with photo stops
Monday 11 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out of the hotel
• Visit to Drakenstein Stud to view some of South Africa’s leading stallions
• Free time in the town of Franschhoek for sightseeing, shopping or lunch
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward flight to Port Elizabeth for your safari extension
PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY IS ONLY PROVISIONAL.
If you wish to finish the trip on a real high, the Safari Extension is the one for you! After the buzz of Cape Town, you swap the city for three nights of proper safari living. A perfect way to round off your holiday and something that is guaranteed to live long in your memory.
Safari Extension
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Return economy flights from the UK to Cape Town
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Return airport transfers in Cape Town
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Six night stay at your chosen hotel
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Breakfast each morning
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Welcome drinks on arrival
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Hosted welcome dinner
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Hosted pre-Kings Plate dinner
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Behind the scenes stable visit to Milnerton
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Morning on the beach to watch top trainers exercise their horses
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Visit to Boulders Bay to see the African penguins
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Hosted dinner on Friday evening with a special racing guest
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Two hour boat cruise
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Return racecourse transfers on King’s Plate day with full hospitality including food and drink
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Tour of the Constantia Winelands with wine tasting and lunch
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Visit to the stunning Drakenstein Stud
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Visit to the charming town of Franschhoek
KING'S PLATE
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is South Africa’s most distinguished horse race and a cornerstone of the Cape Town summer racing calendar. First run in 1861 after Queen Victoria donated a silver plate and prize money for the inaugural contest, the event blends a rich sporting heritage with stylish social flair and has been staged annually at Kenilworth Racecourse ever since.
Run over 1600 metres as a Grade 1 weight-for-age contest, the King’s Plate attracts the finest thoroughbreds from across the country, with the winner earning prestige as well as an invitation to compete on the international stage. The atmosphere on the day is electrifying, with the racing matched by elegant fashion, live music and lively after-race celebrations that make it one of the Cape’s most anticipated events each January.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Andy H,
November 2025
Absolutely amazing, from start to finish!
The actual trip was just phenomenal. We met some lovely people, we learnt so much and we experienced the most wonderful weekend. The organisation was second to none; the hotel was perfect and the location was right opposite the Hippodrome.
From Marc’s knowledge and contacts, we got to spend a day at Nicolas Clement’s stables, we had wonderful seats for the races along with another stables tour, something we would not have experienced if I hadn’t booked with Venatour. The trip was the right mix of activities and leisure time and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jon S,
September 2025
Lovely trip meeting old and new friends.
Fantastic trip to Bruges and Waregem with Venatour Racing Social. This was our first visit to Bruges so Marc and Simon definitely looked after all of us with recommendations for bars and restaurants and places to see.
Wonderful choice of hotel in the centre of Bruges and a nice touch on day 1 to meet up for drinks together and get to know the group. The racing on day 2 was a spectacle not to be missed and with superb hospitality. On the last evening, Marc arranged a meet up at a lovely place by the Canal. Thanks for a lovely trip, meeting old and new friends and being well looked after.
Carol S,
February 2025
We are still buzzing from
our trip.
Firstly, we are still buzzing from our trip to the White Turf Event in St Moritz with Marc & Simon from Venatour. We were with our family on our return and loved relating many of the 'one of a kind' highlights!
We felt very well looked after with all the attention to details, updates and changes of exciting events which they both masterminded. We've now signed up for the Cape Town event plus the add on Safari - we know it will be a superb experience and something we couldn't do without the expertise of Venatour.
Graham H,
November 2025
Very skilled in tailoring the experience.
Our first guided tour of any description (being averse to any set itinerary and having the spirit of a cat, like a caged Lion…😁). However Marc was an excellent herder of cats!
Very skilful in tailoring the experience to the individual; we did our own thing but was always kept in the loop and joined the group and events as we wanted. And when Gatwick threw a curveball by cancelling a bunch of flights, Marc and the team juggled all the chaos like pros. Hats off to them - it was purr-fectly handled! Thanks guys loved it.