The annual Monte-Carlo radio grand-prix horse racing has taken place at the central Moscow hippodrome. It has become a traditional meeting place for the whole Russian beau monde since its opening three years ago.

Actors, musicians, businessmen, politicians gathered at the same place and at the same time.

“It's the first time we've come here. It's great that such serious social events are taking place,” Ilya Averbukh, an ice dancer, 2002 Olympic medalist, says.

Although the stakes were high, the atmosphere was relaxing. It's more a rendezvous for old friends than a sporting event.

Horse racing is famous for its specific, strict dress-code, practiced for centuries: suits are obligatory for men, dresses for women. But the highlight of every horse race is a hat. There are all shapes and sizes, all colours and styles. And the guests will not part with it, despite the heat.

“It took me long to get ready for this event. I wanted something original, something more 19-century like,” explains Irina Lobacheva, an ice dancer, 2002 Olympic medalist.

However, this event is not just a showcase for fashion, but also a chance for the guests to do business and promote their projects.

Dina Korzun, an actress, says, “We are here to celebrate the winner of the racing and hand him or her an invitation to our charity concert that will take place on June 1.”

Many high flyers stress that Russia is now catching up with the rest of the world in its high class culture trying to restore the traditions broken long ago and create new ones.

And as long as this horse racing keeps successfully gathering crowds, there is hope the traditions will grow.