Waregem-Koerse: Popular hippic event hosts prestigious Arabian horse race on 1 September

The annual Waregem-Koerse is expected to draw crowds of up to 40,000 on 1 September, thanks to an action-packed day of thrilling racing and a vibrant atmosphere.

Staged at the iconic Gaverbeek racetrack in West Flanders - the cradle of Belgian horse racing - the programme features trotting, hurdles and pony races for youngsters, as well as international thoroughbred flat races and steeplechases.

Among the main attractions, though, is the annual leg of the President of the U.A.E. Cup. Now in its 33rd year, this prestigious race series offers a record purse of €250,000 that will be shared proportionally by the seven fastest pure-bred Arabian horses.

Among the participants in the highly-anticipated event will be the season’s best Arabian runners. They include pure-breds who have won previous legs of this year's Series, an international event hosted by 19 countries in Europe, Middle East, North Africa and the US.

The current 17 entries originate from 12 different countries. “Most horses are trained in France, traditionally the most well-known country for Arabian horse racing,” explained Nelly Philippot Hermanne, president of the Arabian Horse Racing Club of Belgium.  

Originally bred in the desert, the animals “have a magical presence — regal, lightly built, yet incredibly strong,” she added.

As one of the oldest and most reputable international equestrian events, Waregem Koerse is the natural choice as a venue for the star-studded event. It possesses a massive audience thanks to the popularity of the Gaverbeek-jump during the ING Great Steeple-Chase of Flanders. This keenly-fought race is renowned for its strict selection criteria and strong international competition. It will also be the centre of attention as two new fences at the hippodrome are positioned in front of the grandstand. The event marks the start of the Crystal Cup (European Cross Country Challenge), a series of 12 steeplechase and cross-country races across Europe with in total over €850,000 in prize money. 

The Waregem-Koerse racing day kicks off at 12.00. A total of 13 races are scheduled from 13.05 to 19.45, with the ING Great Steeple-Chase of Flanders programmed for 16.25 and the flagship President of the U.A.E. Cup at 17.05. Evening entertainment and an afterparty follow.

Tickets for the race meeting are priced between €18 and €70.

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

Photos: Waregem Koerse 2025 ©Piet Eggermont