The reconstruction of the Moscow Central Hippodrome, according to plans, will be completed in 2026. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut came to this conclusion after examining the progress of renovation work on one of the favorite vacation spots of Muscovites.
Let me remind you that the Moscow Hippodrome is the oldest in Russia, it is more than 190 years old. Until the late 80s of the last century, on competition days up to 10 thousand people visited. During perestroika, jogging was not organized and resumed only at the beginning of the third millennium, but not on such a scale. The reason is known – lack of funds. Therefore, the hippodrome begins to gradually decline. And a year and a half ago, the capital together with the Ministry of Agriculture began reconstruction.
“Construction is in full swing,” said Sergei Sobyanin. – Restoration of historical pavilions, running tracks, sports complexes. Everything around will also be improved: a traffic communication system will be built and the road will be reconstructed. We hope that next year the work will be completed and all this beauty will again be at the disposal of Muscovites and horse riding lovers.
Outside, the horse racing field is still covered by sand mountains, the main building is covered with construction nets. But according to Vasily Gilyarov, deputy director of the Moscow Construction Department, the facility is 37% ready.
For those who like to bet at the racecourse, the betting shop as well as the restaurant at the historic site will continue to operate.
He said: “The restoration of the historic building is actively underway, almost all the technical and monolithic work on the territory of the equestrian club has been completed. – There will be 14 modern barns that meet all international requirements for animal husbandry. We will build a dormitory for visitors. There will also be a recreation area with a pond, accessible by underground passage from the main building.
Thanking Moscow for reconstructing the iconic object, Oksana Lut said:
– The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for developing horse breeding in the country. We are really looking forward to the opening of the Moscow Hippodrome. This is not only one of more than two dozen Russian racecourses, but also an important testing ground in the development of prize horse breeding. The Ministry is currently developing a strategy for developing hippodrome activities, raising the profile of this unique industry and increasing interest in it.
The comprehensive reconstruction project has brought about the revival of the racecourse as a unique sports and entertainment centre. After restoring the historical appearance of the main building, the builders will double – up to 2 thousand – increase the number of spectator seats in the stands, demolish illegal buildings. For those who like to bet, the betting shop will be open again. The historic 150-seat restaurant will also be preserved. And the museum of the history of the Moscow Central Hippodrome and Russian horse breeding will expand sixfold – it is expected to host three permanent exhibitions.
The prize track will allow 16 horses to race at a time and the trotting track will hold races for 10 horses. The competition area will also have a jumping and warm-up court. There will be soft and hard surfaced tracks for training and running tracks for referees and experts. Modern lighting will allow races and races to be held in the evening.
Well, the owners of the racecourse – the best horses – will receive a modern yard with stables for 282 racehorses and 600 racehorses. There is also an equestrian center with stables for 185 animals, three arenas and stands, and guest stables. It will also have its own veterinary unit, equipped as the capital's best clinic with everything needed, from high-precision diagnostic equipment to operating and rehabilitation theatres. As a result, the total area of racecourse infrastructure will increase more than 2.5 times – to 115.1 thousand square meters.
