Het bericht Last days for Wave 1! verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

Waregem Koerse 2026 announces record prize pool

Published on 26 May 2026, Waregem

UAE President Cup prize money rises to €250,000.

On Tuesday 1 September 2026, Waregem Koerse once again aims to show why it remains one of the most iconic sports and entertainment events of the year. The organisation combines tradition and trusted crowd favourites with a strengthened international programme.

As every year, Waregem Koerse once again brings a rich programme featuring flat racing, trotting races, international top races, pony races and spectacular obstacle races.

The combination of top-level sport, atmosphere, tradition, networking and relaxation makes Waregem Koerse much more than an ordinary race day. Year after year, thousands of visitors make their way to the Gaverbeek Racecourse for a unique mix of sport, ambiance and experience.

More to win than ever in a single afternoon

The total prize money at Waregem Koerse rises for the second year in a row to a new Belgian record. This confirms the exceptional position of the race day within national equestrian sport: nowhere else are so many sporting highlights, renowned participants and prize sums brought together in a single afternoon.

The biggest prize pool, just like last year, is up for grabs during the UAE President Cup, a flat race specifically for Arabian thoroughbreds. After Waregem took part for the first time in this prestigious international series last year, the prize money is increased this year from €200,000 to €250,000. This increase follows the strong reception of the series during its first edition at Waregem Koerse, both among the organisers and the public.

Waregem Koerse is part of an international calendar of 19 events in countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the United Kingdom and France. This once again places Waregem among some of the most prominent international references in equestrian sport.

Click here for more information about the UAE President Cup

Renewed obstacle races

The ING Grand Steeple-Chase of Flanders remains the absolute highlight of the day. The legendary obstacle race once again forms the opening leg of the Crystal Cup, the prestigious European challenge for cross-country and steeplechase races.

From this year onwards, some important changes to the course will be visible. Waregem Koerse has invested over the past months in two completely new obstacles: Double Barrière replaces the former Irish Bank. The Wave takes the place of the former Open Ditch at the Sport Vlaanderen bend. Together they give the entire obstacle programme a renewed dynamic, from the Prix Baron Casier and the Prix Felix de Ruyck to the ING Grand Steeple-Chase of Flanders and the Prix Rallye Waregem.

The Grand Prix City of Waregem

Belgian trotting sport once again takes a prominent place in the programme. With the Grand Prix City of Waregem, one of the highlights of the Belgian trotting season is on the calendar. The race brings together strong trotters, experienced drivers and a great deal of trotting tradition on the Waregem track.

Youth races with the Soumillon International Pony Academy

Young talent also gets a spot at Waregem Koerse once again. In collaboration with the Soumillon International Pony Academy, two pony races are organised once more. This gives young riders the chance to gain experience at a unique race day, between national tradition and international prestige.

A big heart for charity

Charity continues to occupy a central place within Waregem Koerse. The collaboration with Heart for Brain, an organisation that raises funds for brain tumour research, is extended and the popular charity duo race returns to the programme.

Companies, well-known faces and professional drivers once again join forces to raise funds.

New this year is that Heart for Brain is putting the sulky seat — the passenger seat in its sulky — up for auction. Anyone who wants to ride alongside a professional driver on Tuesday 1 September, in front of 35,000 spectators, can bid during an auction on 14 August in Ruiselede and online via ruislequalitytrotsale.com. The full amount raised will be donated entirely to Heart for Brain.

Ticket sales officially open

Ticket sales for Waregem Koerse 2026 are officially open from 26 May 2026 via www.waregemkoerse.be. This year again, a wave system is used, ensuring early buyers get the most favourable price.

Wave 1 runs from 26 May. After that, ticket prices increase on 29 June and again on 17 August. Anyone who wants to be sure of attending is advised not to wait too long. A ticket in the weighing area costs €28, a grandstand ticket €70, and a ticket for the infield can already be ordered from €15. A fun fact: from this year onwards, toilet access is also included in the price of your entry ticket.

Practical information

Waregem Koerse takes place on Tuesday 1 September 2026 at the Waregem Racecourse.
The full programme with all sporting highlights and side entertainment can be found at race programme.

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© 2026 Koninklijke Waregemse Koersvereniging

Het bericht Waregem Koerse 2026 announces record prize money verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

Waregem Koerse unveils two new obstacles

Published on 5 May 2025

The Wave and Double Barrière are the result of thorough analysis, international site visits, consultation with experts and a clear ambition to further optimise the steeplechase course.

In-depth analysis and international inspiration

Following the regrettable incident during one of the steeplechase races at the previous edition — which left a lasting impression on the board and all those involved with Waregem Koerse — a thorough evaluation was immediately set in motion.

The day after the meeting, the board and its staff convened for an initial debriefing. This was followed by an extensive review of race footage from the past ten years. On the basis of this analysis, the decision was taken to replace two obstacles: the Irish Bank and the Open Ditch.

Waregem Koerse looked beyond its own borders for inspiration, making several visits to the racecourses of Auteuil and Compiègne, where comparable jump racing is held.

From consultation to concrete action

In addition to the internal evaluations and international visits, Waregem Koerse held extensive discussions with trainers, owners and equestrian experts. Minister Weyts, Professor Pille from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University and Michel Vandenbosch of GAIA were among those consulted. Michel Vandenbosch also visited the course in person to inspect the new obstacles.

Alongside the replacement of the two obstacles, the conditions of entry have also been revised: horses competing in the steeplechase races must henceforth be at least five years of age. The maximum number of runners in jump races has been reduced from fourteen to twelve per race.

The new obstacles

The two new obstacles were officially presented at a press conference on 5 May 2026.

The first obstacle is named The Wave and is located after the bend near Sport Vlaanderen. The name was chosen to reflect the smooth, undulating movement horses make as they negotiate the fence. The Wave consists of an ascending element with a small brush fence of 90 cm, followed by a gradually sloping landing ramp, and a take-off with a second brush fence of 90 cm.

The placement was also carefully considered. The Wave was deliberately positioned after the bend near Sport Vlaanderen, a point on the course where horses are naturally travelling at a lower pace than on a straight. This ensures the new obstacle fits naturally into the rhythm of the race.

The second new obstacle has been named Double Barrière. It is a mobile fence constructed from bamboo.

For the Double Barrière, Waregem Koerse drew inspiration from a similar fence at the Compiègne racecourse, designed by Mr. Macaire, trainer of the winning horse in the ING Steeple Chase of Flanders at the previous edition. In Waregem too, the choice fell on a fence with a strong visual presence, yet built from fine, pliable bamboo to minimise the risk of injury on contact.

Practical information

Waregem Koerse takes place on Tuesday 1 September 2026 at the Waregem Racecourse.
The full programme, including all sporting highlights and entertainment, can be found at www.waregemkoerse.be.

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© 2025 Koninklijke Waregemse Koersvereniging

Het bericht Waregem Koerse unveils two new obstacles verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

All details about the program, the races, and the start of the ticket sales will be announced soon.

Discover what to expect in 2026.


View the program →

Het bericht 1 september 2026 – Waregem Koerse – Save The Date verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

This year, Waregem Koerse will feel a little different. It will be the first edition without Willy Naessens, the enthusiastic ambassador, loyal partner, and true friend of the event. Willy was also the inspiration and driving force behind the iconic hat contest at Waregem Koerse: the Willy Naessens Hat Trophy. After his passing earlier this year, the question arose whether the hat competition would continue without its figurehead. But today, there is clarity: Waregem Koerse and the Willy Naessens Group have just signed a new multi-year partnership to continue, among other things, the Hat Trophy — a lasting tribute to the man who held the event so dear to his heart.

At the same time, the partnership confirms the company’s continued commitment to one of the largest networking moments of the year at Waregem Koerse, where around a thousand invited guests, including numerous top entrepreneurs, gather annually.

CHERISHED TRADITION

Twenty-four years ago, Willy Naessens proposed expanding the then small-scale hat show at Waregem Koerse into a full-fledged competition with a trophy for the most beautiful hat. His idea has since grown into one of the most popular and media-friendly lifestyle moments of the year, with thousands of visitors proudly styling their outfits accordingly. “For our father, Waregem Koerse was one of the most beautiful days of the year,” says son Sem Naessens. “I was already attending as a five-year-old, together with my grandfather. Since then, I’ve only missed one edition. This is a day our family and the company hold dear, which is why we absolutely want to continue our partnership with the event and the organization of the Hat Trophy. That’s not just our sentiment. This year, notably many partners are stepping up to support the Hat Trophy.”

FAMILIAR FORMAT

The concept of the Willy Naessens Hat Trophy remains unchanged. Again this year, a prestigious, fully anonymous jury will select the sixty most beautiful hats among the attendees at Waregem Koerse. The lucky winners will be invited later in the day to showcase their hats during a festive runway show. The grand prize is a stunning piece of jewelry from the renowned Waregem-based jeweler Bourgois Edelsmid, but as every year, there will be many other prizes donated by enthusiastic partners.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT WAREGEM KOERSE

Waregem Koerse is, first and foremost, about horse racing at the highest level. But it is also a lifestyle event, a popular celebration, and the place where entrepreneurs meet, collaborations are born, and ideas are shared. Bram Vandewalle, general director of Waregem Koerse: “That was Willy to the core. He brought people together. And that’s exactly what Waregem Koerse, along with Willy Naessens’ family and wife, wants to continue doing.”

For Waregem Koerse, Willy is an important figure — and will remain so. “He was so much more than a partner. He was someone who contributed ideas, helped build, and was always available. We sincerely want to thank Willy once again for everything he meant to Waregem Koerse,” concludes Bram. “We are especially grateful that we can continue the partnership with the Naessens family and his wife, and that his legacy will live on in the trophy that bears his name: the Willy Naessens Hat Trophy — a tradition that brings thousands together each year in festive style.”

WEAR YOUR BEST HAT FOR WILLY

Waregem Koerse calls on everyone to wear their most beautiful hat on September 2nd, as a tribute to Willy Naessens. Not only for a chance to win the trophy but especially to collectively honor the man who meant so much to the event.
“We hope that all attendees at Waregem Koerse bring out their best hat,” concludes Bram.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AT EARLY BIRD PRICES

Waregem Koerse is more than a day out. It’s an experience shared with thousands of others. A tradition that connects. A once-a-year feeling you don’t want to miss.
Do you want to be there when the sulkies thunder by and the steeplechase champions fly over the hedges?
Then don’t wait too long: ticket sales are running in waves and today you’ll get the best prices. Tickets for the weigh-in area are currently 25 euros. From July 9th, the price goes up.

Race now to www.waregemkoerse.be and secure your spot for the most spectacular equestrian event of the year. See you on September 2nd — in the heart of the race… and the atmosphere.

Het bericht THE WILLY NAESSENS HAT TROPHY REMAINS verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

The ING Grote Steeple-Chase of Flanders remains the absolute eye-catcher of Waregem Koerse. This prestigious race marks the start of the Crystal Cup (European Cross Country Challenge), a series of 12 steeplechase and cross-country races across Europe with over €850,000 in prize money. The series brings together the best international jump horses and riders on challenging courses featuring unique combinations of hedges, natural obstacles, and water features.

After the opening race in Waregem, the Crystal Cup continues at renowned venues in countries such as France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, England, and Ireland. The final of the current season will take place in just a few days in Le Lion-d’Angers (May 29, 2025).

Het bericht ING Great Steeple-Chase of Flanders: Kick-Off of the Crystal Cup verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

€200,000 TO BE WON IN 2 MINUTES

Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Horsepower, holiday vibes, and pure ambiance: everything comes together at the iconic Gaverbeek racetrack for one unforgettable celebration. Waregem Koerse is back — and how! It’s the day that young and old, sports fans and bon vivants alike, eagerly anticipate. A day to make memories. A day to be part of it all.

And this year, the event is stepping things up a notch: more sport, more experience, and more prize money than ever before.

The UAE President’s Cup Series has chosen Waregem Koerse as a unique stop on their global racing circuit for Arabian thoroughbreds. A great honor — and you’ll feel it, both in the stands and on the track.

OVER €500,000 IN TOTAL PRIZE MONEY

€200,000 — that’s the prize money to be shared among the fastest participants in the UAE President’s Cup during Waregem Koerse. “We are incredibly proud of this,” says general director Bram Vandewalle. “Never before has so much prize money been up for grabs in a single race in Waregem. Combined with established highlights such as the ING Great Steeple-Chase of Flanders and the Grand Prix City of Waregem, this brings the total prize pool for Waregem Koerse 2025 to more than half a million euros. September 2 will undoubtedly be one of the absolute sporting highlights of the year. This puts Waregem even more firmly on the international equestrian map.”

UAE PRESIDENT’S CUP

Nelly Philippot-Hermanne has been one of the driving forces behind Arabian thoroughbred racing worldwide since the 1980s. And she can talk about it endlessly. Nelly: “The UAE President’s Cup is a global series of races for Arabian thoroughbred horses,” she explains. “The circuit was launched by the United Arab Emirates to promote the region and its rich traditions worldwide through their centuries-old cultural icon: the Arabian horse. At the same time, they wanted to breathe new life into the breed, which had declined in popularity during the 20th century. And it’s working.”
The races are not only beautiful to watch, but also fiercely competitive. By putting the Arabian horse back in the spotlight, the Emirates are reviving the breed — and stimulating the breeding of ever stronger and healthier horses.”

BELGIAN ARABIAN THOROUGHBREDS AMONG WORLD’S BEST

For the race in Waregem, Arabian thoroughbred horses will travel to Belgium from all over Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. To truly understand the elegance of the Arabian thoroughbred, you have to see them in action. Nelly: “Arabian horses are desert animals. They have a magical presence — regal, lightly built, yet incredibly powerful. They are refined because they evolved for centuries to survive in extreme conditions: with little food, intense sun, and long distances. They are lightning-fast, extremely alert, and have phenomenal endurance.”

Remarkably, some of the world’s best Arabian thoroughbred horses are now being born in Belgium. Nelly: “A great example is Messi, born and raised in Geel. He won the prestigious Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi — which you could basically call the world championship for Arabian thoroughbreds.”

WHY THE UAE CHOSE WAREGEM

Not only our horses, but also our races are making a global impression. Waregem Koerse wasn’t just handed a leg of the President’s Cup — strict selection criteria and strong international competition came first. Nelly: “Waregem Koerse is one of the oldest international sporting events, with an incredibly strong reputation. That certainly plays a role in such decisions. But also the massive audience, the charisma of the Gaverbeek Hippodrome, the world-class sporting program, and the way visitors and VIPs are hosted… it all just fits.”

Het bericht UAE PRESIDENT’S CUP BRINGS UNPRECEDENTED PRIZE MONEY & PRESTIGE TO WAREGEM KOERSE verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

Here’s your chance: Waregem Koerse is giving you a seat in a real sulky – alongside a professional driver – during Heart for Brain Race.

Click the button below and take your chance in the Waregem Koerse game to be part of this special moment. On our website, pull the lever of our virtual prize machine. Do you get the Waregem Koerse symbol on screen three times? Then you have a chance of being selected for the ride of your life in a few months’ time! What’s more, you can win great prizes right now.

You can play along until 28 May 2025. No luck? No stress – you will get another chance in July and August. So keep a close eye on the website and socials of Waregem Koerse!

Click Here

Het bericht Do you dream of being at the start of Waregem Koerse yourself? verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.

Het bericht Save the date – 02 september 2025 verscheen eerst op Waregem Koerse.