Waregem: The Heart of Horse Racing in Belgium

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

This deep-rooted connection to horses stems from the city’s growth from an insignificant rural village into a thriving industrial and commercial hub. A key factor in this development was the immense popularity of the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders between 1860 and 1880. Even then, this spectacular race was one of the most prestigious horse races on the continent.

Its fame and popularity were so great that it was considered on par with top events in France and England. Each year, the leading British and French racing stables sent their best horses to compete in the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders.

For top jockeys, winning at the Gaverbeek was an extraordinary honor.

The jump over the Gaverbeek was especially renowned as a formidable obstacle.

As early as 1861, a Parisian newspaper wrote:

“La rivière de Waregem à cinq mètres de largeur, elle est plus difficile que celle de la Marche (Paris) laquelle l’emporte en largeur sur toutes les rivières de steeple-chase d’Angleterre.”

Felix de Ruyck, together with prominent citizens of Waregem and its surroundings, founded the Saint-Mauritius riding association. This organization initiated horse races during the Waregem Fair, with the first event taking place on Monday, August 25, 1847, at 4:00 PM.

The first races included a sprint race for farm horses followed by a mounted trotting race. According to local legend, the races took place in and around Statiestraat, with cobblestones removed to accommodate the event.

The event’s success grew, and in 1854, Prince Philip, Count of Flanders (the second son of King Leopold I and father of King Albert I), accepted the honorary presidency of Waregem Koerse. In 1856, he attended the event as honorary chairman.

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

Some interesting anecdotes:

• In 1861, three brothers from the du Roy de Blicquy family competed in the steeplechase reserved for officers.
• They started together, jumped the Gaverbeek together, and fell into it together.
• The horse that claimed the most victories at the Gaverbeek Hippodrome was undoubtedly Redpath, who won the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders seven times, last in 1896.
• Since 1849, Waregem Koerse has been held on the first Tuesday after the last Sunday of August.
• In 1997, a grand parade with 500 horses was organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Waregem Koerse.
• In 2022, the 175th edition of Waregem Koerse was celebrated, marking a milestone in the history of this prestigious event. A record number of visitors joined in the festivities.