Waregem Koerse 2026 is once again shaping up to be a day where everything comes together: top-level sport, tradition, international class and stories that go far beyond the results. At the Gaverbeek racecourse, speed and tactics follow one another in quick succession, with runners travelling to Waregem from across Europe and well beyond. From the first start to the final finish, Tuesday 1 September promises to be another race day where sport and spectacle blend seamlessly.

Gaetan Masure makes his Waregem Koerse debut in the ING Grand Steeple-Chase of Flanders

For Gaetan Masure, this edition of the ING Grand Steeple-Chase of Flanders will be one to treasure. The 36-year-old Belgian moved to France at a young age, built his entire career there and worked his way to the top of French jump racing. Yet remarkably, he had never ridden over the iconic Waregem Koerse course. That changes on Tuesday, when he takes on the Grand Steeple for the first time aboard Heraliste.

One man who does know Waregem inside out is trainer Patrice Quinton. He sends out Fan d’Apple’s, General Desjy and Premier Vert, three horses that have already proven themselves here. General Desjy finished second in 2023, while Premier Vert was second in 2022 and fourth in 2024. On a course where experience often makes the difference, that is no small detail.

And then there is Placenet. The 2024 winner finished second last year and returns once more with jockey Johnny Charron. At the same time, danger is lurking from the Czech Republic, with Ches Demonmirail and Krokodile Dundee as challengers. A Czech victory would immediately mark a notable first.

Christophe Soumillon and RB Kingmaker bring world class to the UAE President Cup

With 250,000 euros in prize money, the UAE President Cup is the richest flat race in the country. And this year it comes with a name of world stature. Christophe Soumillon lines up with RB Kingmaker, one of the biggest stars among Arabian thoroughbreds. The seven-year-old has already won at the highest level in Saudi Arabia and England, and on paper looks like the combination to beat.

But Waregem is Waregem. RB Kingmaker runs here for the first time, and the tight, turning layout of the Gaverbeek racecourse is very different from the major international tracks he is used to. That is exactly what makes the race interesting: can a global star adapt straight away to Waregem’s distinctive track?

One horse that does know what to expect is Joe Star. He finished second in this race last year, beaten only narrowly by Al Zeer. This year he returns as one of the horses capable of making life very difficult for RB Kingmaker.

Rocky Mom carries Belgian hopes in the Grand Prix City of Waregem

This year, the Grand Prix City of Waregem comes with a striking Belgian story. Rocky Mom, one of the best trotters in the country, is among the contenders for a place on the podium and perhaps even for victory. Belgian-bred, in Belgian ownership and with a Belgian driver in the sulky: it hardly gets more Belgian than that.

The story behind the ownership is remarkable too. Through Triumph Stable, enthusiasts can become co-owners of Rocky Mom for a limited monthly amount. No complicated structures or unexpected extra costs: anyone holding a share also shares in the prize money when the horse performs. It makes a sport that usually feels rather distant from the general public considerably more accessible.

The competition will be fierce, though. Jos Verbeeck arrives in form after winning the Champagne Prize in Ostend, where he literally took home his own weight in champagne. What is more, he knows better than anyone how to win at Waregem: he has already claimed the Grand Prix City of Waregem nine times.

Jules Van den Putte, Belgian champion driver, is also in the field. Twelve combinations take part in total, with representatives from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Sweden. With a maximum of nine horses per starting row, it promises to be another tactical and spectacular trotting race.

More to look forward to

The race day opens straight away with a horse the Waregem crowd has come to know well. Jickty started last season right at the bottom of the ladder, but worked his way up race after race. He won on Ladies Day, was named Golden Trotter 2025 and faces a new challenge on Tuesday: for the first time, he has to measure up against the very best. A telling test for a horse that has come a remarkable way at Waregem in a short space of time.

The jump races hold a few interesting stories as well. In the Prix Baron Casier, the French dominance is challenged by Beau Dino, who is in Belgian ownership, and by two Czech-trained horses. In the Prix Felix de Ruyck, Gaetan Masure goes into action earlier in the day with Risk du Brizais, before riding his first Grand Steeple later on. Sirlight, owned by Belgian Geert Nemegheer, also flies the Belgian flag there.

And anyone who enjoys a local story should keep an eye on the Prix Rallye Waregem. Jazzband, trained by Yannick Luyckx from the region, knows the Waregem track well and gets another chance here. For the win, most eyes are on Jeriko de Kerser and Flavius, two horses arriving with strong credentials.

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