The History of Waregem Koerse – Cradle of Horse Racing in Belgium

It is widely known, both within and beyond equestrian circles, that Waregem is the cradle of horse sports in Belgium.

This strong bond with horses exists because Waregem developed from a modest rural village into a thriving industrial and commercial center. The key factor behind this growth was the remarkable reputation of the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders between 1860 and 1880. This highly spectacular race was already one of the most important on the continent at that time.

Its fame and popularity were such that it was considered equal to the major top events in France and England. Every year, leading British and French stables sent their best horses to compete in the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders.

For top jockeys, winning at the Gaverbeek was a prestigious achievement to add to their record.

The jump over the Gaverbeek was especially renowned.

As early as 1861, a Parisian newspaper wrote:

“The Waregem river, five meters wide, is more difficult than that of La Marche (Paris), which exceeds in width all steeple-chase rivers in England.”

Félix de Ruyck, together with several prominent citizens of Waregem and its surroundings, founded an equestrian association named Saint Mauritius. This association took the initiative in 1849 to organize horse races during the Waregem fair, first held on Monday, August 25, 1847, at 4 PM.

The event started with two races: first a gallop race for farm horses, followed by a mounted trotting race. According to a persistent local legend, these races took place in and around Statiestraat, where cobblestones were removed for the occasion.

The event quickly gained popularity, and in 1854 Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders, second son of King Leopold I and father of King Albert I, accepted the honorary presidency of Waregem Koerse. In 1856, he visited the event in this role.

In 1855, Félix de Ruyck obtained permission to organize Waregem Koerse on the meadows along Holstraat, and in 1858, the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders was held there for the first time, on the fields near the Gaverbeek, generously sponsored by French businessman Marc Lejeune.

Some anecdotes:

• In 1861, three brothers of the du Roy de Blicquy family participated in the steeple chase reserved for officers.
• They started together, jumped the Gaverbeek together, and fell into it together.
• The most successful horse at the Gaverbeek racecourse was undoubtedly Redpath, which won the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders no fewer than 7 times, last in 1896.
• Since 1849, Waregem Koerse has taken place on the first Tuesday after the last Sunday of August.
• In 1997, a parade of 500 horses was organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Waregem Koerse.
• In 2022, the 175th anniversary of Waregem Koerse was celebrated, marking a major milestone in the history of this remarkable event, with a record number of visitors.