Waregem Racecourse – Belgium

Waregem is a city located in the Belgian province of West Flanders in the Leie River valley between Kortrijk and Ghent. It is best known for holding the Grand Steeple-Chase de Flandres (Crystal Cup), which takes place annually on the first Tuesday after the last Sunday in August. This is a week-long event that dates back to 1847.

With the European network of Horse cities, it is notably twinned with Pardubice (Czech Republic) and Wroclaw (Poland).

Biggest events: Grand Steeple-Chase de Flandres (Cross-country)

History: The Grand Steeple-Chase de Flandres race meeting is the only day of jumps racing in Belgium, and it invariably attracts many French runners. Triple Crystal Cup winning trainer Patrice Quinton has won this race several times, and it has become one of his favourite events.

A new stand was unveiled for the meeting in 2017, which has a capacity of 5,000 people. The racecourse welcomes 40,000 people for the races each year, and has become well known for its festive atmosphere.