Hippodrome de Waregem

The Hippodrome de Waregem in the West Flemish town of Waregem is the home of the Waregem Koerse — Belgium's most celebrated and historically significant horse racing meeting. The Waregem Koerse, run annually on the last Sunday of August since 1847, is not merely a race meeting but a major Belgian social institution — a day of flat and hurdle racing combined with an agricultural fair, local food culture, and a festive atmosphere that has made it the most attended race day in Belgium for over 150 years. The meeting was historically a gathering of the Flemish agricultural community, a tradition of bringing farm horses and country produce to a central market that evolved over time into a dedicated racing event while retaining its fair and festival character. Today's Waregem Koerse attracts 30,000+ spectators and maintains its unique combination of competitive racing (including a Group 3 hurdle race that is one of Belgium's most important jump races) with a festive programme of entertainment. The Hippodrome de Waregem's facility reflects its dual-purpose history — a racing venue that also serves as an agricultural exhibition ground, with the grandstand designed to accommodate both racing crowds and general public events.