While colour authority Pantone has declared “Mocha Mousse” the colour of 2025, it was shades of blue and a touch of white at Kenilworth racecourse in Cape Town yesterday for the running of the country’s oldest continuous horse race.
Renowned as one of the most elegant events on the equestrian calendar, guests attending the King’s Plate are required to “dress in a manner appropriate to racing”.
One of the first people I spot is influencer Mohale Motaung, who said feeling cool was a big consideration in his outfit choice.
“Last year I wore denim on denim and it was very hot so this year I decided on no shirt, showing my chest, and sandals.”
While the punters focused on the horses for the 164th running of the premier mile race, there were plenty of other indulgences off the 1,600m track.
Motoring aficionados, for instance, could peruse an impressive display of classic cars, including a 1928 Ford Model A, a cute 1953 BMW Isetta and a sleek 1965 Ford Mustang, presented by the Franschhoek Motor Museum.
I spot Liezel van der Westhuizen near the car display and ask the “Plate veteran” if she’s the longest running filly at the event.
“I don’t think you’re allowed to call a giraffe a filly,” quips the radio personality, referring to the nickname I gave her more than a decade ago. She said she had probably attended 13 or 14 of the racing events.
Hospitality-wise, one of the most popular marquees was the Stud Club, which boasts private bars, lounge areas and cocktail seating.
There, the stylish set could quench their thirst while savouring a lunch time feast, which commenced with canapés, including salmon blinis with mandarin curd and ginger and Brie and tomato tartlets.
Along with an impressive sushi bar and a substantial salad station, the marquee boasted a charcuterie and cheese harvest table (the sherry-laced chicken liver pate was particularly moreish) and a carvery where you could choose from a selection of protein, including dry-aged free range prime rib, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and spit-roasted chicken served with thyme-infused gravy.
Enjoying the treats at the marquee was actress Michelle Mosalakae — with her momager [mom manager] Sarah — who told me she’s branched out in a sporting direction of her own. She’s now the owner of football club Armor FC, which is based in Diepsloot.
“We are No 2 on the log at the moment. We are really keen on taking this league and being promoted to ABC Motsepe next season,” said Michelle.
Unfortunately, though, the big racing day out this year was thin on the sort of big names who can cause a style stampede.
And as for which thoroughbred was first past the finish line for the seventh of the nine-race card?
That honour went to the favourite, One Stripe.
• Craig Jacobs was hosted by Savanna
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