UAE President Cup prize pool rises to €250,000, Waregem once again 1st leg of the Crystal Cup, and ticket sales now open

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.

© 2026 Koninklijke Waregemse Koersvereniging