Richiebee

You are an astute observer and picked up a lot on your trip here in Moscow. I agree with you. The true story about the casinos here is even worse than you imagine -- I would prefer not to go into it in writing but maybe one day we can discuss it over a pivo. This government has zero regard for the little guy or for human life. It is hard to believe, but Moscow has more casinos that any city in the world. Within a quarter mile of my apartment there are at least 8 casinos (and three of them are major casinos) and I do not even live in the part of town with the most casinos. Also, whoever educated you on the history of the hippodrome educated you well. I think the cavalry connection is in fact key. Remember also that the hippodrome is not only a hippodrome, it is where all the muscovites go who want to ride. Tons of normal people go there just to go out horseback riding. Ironically, the biggest protector of the Hippodrome now is VVP himself who has designated horseracing as a sport deserving of attention.

SCM2