The oldest Russian hippodrome to be closed for restoration

As Glavgosexpertiza of Russia reported on its website, the concept for the reconstruction of the Central Moscow Hippodrome (CMI) is at the final stage of development, important adjustments are being made to it.

“The concept of the project provides access for guests to the walking area along the stands at any hour, as well as excursions and communication with horses,” the message says.

The historical appearance of the hippodrome buildings will be preserved. They will build new stables with a walker or a carousel simulator, provide a separate place for sports horses. Special sinks and solariums, feed kitchens, as well as warehouses for storing fodder will be added. In addition, full-fledged rest rooms, rooms for training staff, a year-round veterinary complex with professional equipment will appear.

“Internal premises will be reconstructed for a more comfortable stay of guests, players and spectators - the logistics of restaurants, betting halls will change. They will completely replace the engineering networks, “rebuild” the race tracks in order to eliminate the failed soil under them. The hippodrome will have professional lighting of a stadium character, new screens and comfortable glass stands for bad weather conditions,” Glavgosexpertiza said.

The expansion of technical content will allow video broadcasts to be carried out at the modern level.

In the middle of the hippodrome, a multifunctional area is planned, which can be used both for competitions and for outdoor events. “It is expected that in the fall, work will begin on the tracks for training and testing horses, to replace communications and networks in the horse yard, to build a guest stable, as well as to dismantle 11 emergency buildings and repair and reconstruct the remaining 40,” the message says.

It notes that the Central Moscow Hippodrome is the first trotting hippodrome in the world. It opened in 1834 and is the oldest year-round hippodrome in Russia. From this unique historical place began the world culture of running. Horse racing appeared in Russia much earlier than races - in 1790.

CMI is one of the few hippodromes in the world where running and racing are combined, as well as the functions of a training center. But since 1955, the global reconstruction of the hippodrome has never been carried out, the Glavgosexpertiza noted.

“The complex of urban planning policy and construction of the city of Moscow announced earlier that by 2025 the CMI will be reconstructed and modernized to a modern level corresponding to the leading hippodromes of the world,” the report says.