Waregem Koerse Begins Under Intense Scrutiny After Two Horses Died Last Year

Waregem Koerse has started without two of its most familiar obstacles. The Irish Berm and the Open Ditch were removed after two horses died during last year’s event, putting safety at the center of this year’s races.

“

We studied carefully how they handle it abroad.

Bram Vandewalle, the event’s general director, said organizers studied how courses are managed abroad, including a visit to the Compiègne racecourse in France. They also consulted specialists in steeplechase racing. The course has changed before and may change again, he said, as faster horses bring higher risks.

Safety measures also extend beyond the jumps. Every horse must pass a veterinary examination before taking part. Frederik Pille and his team from Ghent University check each animal’s movement and feel its tendons for signs of earlier injuries.

“

We have taken every precaution and remain vigilant, but there is no more we can do.

The veterinarians work independently from the organizers, and owners cannot appeal their decisions. Pille said a horse with an unstable or incompletely healed injury simply cannot start. The team had already ruled out a horse with a recent tendon injury owned by a French entrant.

“

When the team finds an unstable or not fully healed injury, the horse cannot start. Full stop.

The event expects 35,000 spectators, adding public safety to the organizers’ responsibilities. Vandewalle said he would only relax once the day had ended without incidents. Pille said the participating horses are experienced athletes, unlike some horses in the past that were already nearing the end of their careers.

“

I am looking ahead with a realistic heart.