Unique seat in the Heart For Brain Race auctioned for 4,500 euros

Published on 29 August 2026, Waregem

Once again this year, the Heart For Brain Race brings together familiar faces and companies for a good cause. For many of the participants, that cause is Heart For Brain, the Waregem-based non-profit that campaigns and raises funds for research into brain tumours.

This year the initiative received an extra boost. The last remaining seat in the race was auctioned on 14 August during the Ruislé Quality Trot Sale in Ruiselede. Stijn Buyl placed the winning bid and paid 4,500 euros for the unique experience. He will not be stepping into the sulky himself, however: he bought the seat as a gift for his wife, who will represent the Waregem Koerse team on 1 September and race with the horse owned by Stijn Buyl.

Cindy Vanhoutte, alderwoman of the city of Waregem, is also taking a seat in a sulky this year. She replaces Justin Verboomen and represents Stephex Horsetrucks in the Heart For Brain Race, becoming the first female alderwoman of Waregem to take part. For Vanhoutte it is a special experience, but above all a chance to help draw attention to scientific research into brain tumours.