THE WILLY NAESSENS HAT TROPHY REMAINS

“WE HOPE THAT EVERYONE WEARS THEIR MOST BEAUTIFUL HAT ON SEPTEMBER 2ND AS A TRIBUTE TO WILLY”

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.