Waregem-Koerse: Belgium’s most popular race meeting hosts prestigious Arabian horse event

The annual Waregem-Koerse race meeting is staging the Belgian leg of the UAE President’s Cup with a record purse of €200,000 on 2 September.

This historic series, now in its 32nd year, celebrates the heritage and excellence of pure-bred Arabian racing in 17 countries around the world thanks to the support of the United Arab Emirates over the past two decades.

It is a highly anticipated event at the iconic Gaverbeek racetrack in West Flanders - the cradle of Belgian horse racing.

The prestigious flat race is just one of the draws at Waregem, which promises serious horsepower and an unforgettable experience for not only racing fans, but anyone wanting a memorable and festive day out.

Boasting a total prize pool of €500,000, its other highlights include the ING Great Steeple-Chase of Flanders and the Grand Prix City of Waregem.

Yet it is the UAE President’s Cup that places the event firmly on the international equestrian map this year, with the total prize money being awarded on a degressive basis to the top six finishers.

For the occasion, Arabian purebred horses will be travelling to Belgium from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Originally bred in the desert, “they have a magical presence — regal, lightly built, yet incredibly powerful,” explains Nelly Philippot Hermanne, president of the Arabian Horse Racing Club of Belgium. 

“They are refined because they evolved for centuries to survive in extreme conditions: with little food, intense sun, and long distances to cover daily. They are lightning-fast, extremely alert and have phenomenal endurance,” she adds.

Belgium is now home to some of the world’s best Arabian purebred horses. “A great example is Messi, born and raised in Geel. He won the prestigious Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi in 2020 — which you could basically call the world championship of Arabian racing,” says Philippot Hermanne.

It is not only its horses, but Belgium’s strong racing scene that drew the UAE President’s Cup Series — a global racing circuit — to chooose the Waregem Koerse event.

Its strict selection criteria and strong international competition were important factors for this honour. “Waregem Koerse is one of the oldest international racing events with an incredibly strong reputation,” she points out. “The decision was also down the event’s massive audience, the charisma of the Gaverbeek Hippodrome, the world-class sporting programme and the way visitors and VIPs are hosted… it all just fits.”

Waregem’s equestrian tradition dates 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 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.

Ranked on par with top events in historic racing countries, leading British and French racing stables sent their best horses each year to compete in the steeple chase. The more recent addition of flat racing to the track has only enhanced its international credentials and popularity.

The Waregem-Koerse kicks off at 12.00 with DJ Tom warming up the crowds in the public tent. A total of 13 races are scheduled from 13.45 to 19.45, with the ING Great Steeple-Chase of Flanders programmed for 16.25 and the flagship President’s Cup at 17.05. Evening entertainment from 20.00 features an afterparty with Bart Kaëll, followed by DJ Tom once again in action.

Tickets for the race meeting are priced from €16 to €65.

Waregem-Koerse
2 September
Hippodroom Waregem
Holstraat 97, Waregem
West Flanders