A new race has been added to the Waregem Koerse race meeting. It will probably generate the biggest prize pot ever in Flemish equestrian sport. In September, participants can win up to 200,000 euros in a flat race with Arabian thoroughbred horses. That is double what jockeys can win in Waregem Koerse’s Grand Steeple-Chase.
Waregem Koerse: “This is probably the biggest prize pot in Flanders ever"
Colin Clapson
Published:
‘Waregem Koerse is now included in the UAE Presidents Cup, a set of the world's most prestigious races for Arabian thoroughbreds,’ says organiser Bram Van de Walle. ‘That is certainly unique. This is the biggest prize pool at Waregem Koerse, and perhaps even the highest in the entire history of Belgian horse racing.’
Prestigious race
The prize money has been rearranged. ‘Waregem Koerse was already included in races for Arabian thoroughbreds, but now it’s been decided to pool the prize money and only sponsor very prestigious races including Waregem Koerse.’
‘The race will be along the same lines as what we already did in previous years in races for Arabian thoroughbreds. Only now absolute top horses will be at the start, better horses with even better jockeys.’
Global recognition
‘For us, this is very important for our international image,’ says Van de Walle. ‘Waregem Koerse is one of the oldest international sporting events in the world. That gives us a lot of recognition.’
‘It is also nice for Waregem as a town. Recently we were also awarded the European show jumping championships. Waregem really is the horse capital of Flanders. We are very proud of that.’