What does the OLDEST hippodrome in Russia look like? (PHOTOS)

The first building of the Racing Pavilion

In the early 1830s, city authorities allocated a hectare of land on the then outskirts of Moscow to the Society for Horse Racing Hunting. The year 1834 is considered the founding date of the Moscow Hippodrome. It was then that the first horse races were held at this site. Not galloping races, but specifically trotting races.

A horse-drawn carriage at the Central Moscow Hippodrome

This feature would become the main hallmark of the future Moscow Hippodrome. It was the world's first trotting hippodrome, which, however, does not mean that horses compete only at a trot. The rider sits not astride the horse, but in a two-wheeled swinging cart.

The grandstand

The hippodrome became a true symbol of Moscow and a very popular place, where all sorts of people gathered to get their adrenaline going, from the wealthiest aristocracy and merchants to ordinary lovers of easy money from the common classes.

The Soviet symbolic

In the late 19th century, an elegant main building was constructed there, the so-called ‘Racing Pavilion’ with small towers, crowned by two bronze quadrigas. 

The Racing Pavilion after the recent reconstruction

In the 1950s, the main building of the hippodrome was badly damaged by fire and had to be restored, this time in the style of Stalinist Empire architecture. The project was led by architect Ivan Zholtovsky, a master of Soviet neoclassicism. One of the historic quadrigas was installed on the main portico.

The race field

In 2024, a large-scale reconstruction began and now, at last, the renovated stands and main building have been presented to the public.

Inside the racing pavilion

The interior of the restaurant hall

The hippodrome can once again host major international competitions in various equestrian disciplines. 

The opening race