A venue change for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events

by | Apr 11, 2025

The rumbling and the grumbling have been going on for some time.
While Galway Downs in Temecula, Calif., seemed likely to be selected as the host venue for the 2028 Olympic equestrian events, there always was conversation when it was proposed about whether that location was suitable, even after the Los Angeles City Council approved it March 28.
Now Galway Downs announced it learned late Wednesday from the LA28 organizers that it will not serve as the venue, as another site has been chosen. It’s a good bet that Santa Anita Park racetrack, which hosted the 1984 Olympic equestrian events, will be the choice. The Arcadia facility was the scene of a very successful grand prix last year that had people talking about how it would be an ideal showcase for the Games. It’s also closer to Los Angeles than Temecula.
The International Olympic Committee’s requirement that all the equestrian events, including cross-country, be held at the same site played in Galway Downs’ favor. When Santa Anita hosted Olympic equestrian 41 years ago, cross-country was held at a golf course, while every other competition was at the track. Does Santa Anita have enough room to include cross-country with the other equestrian segments in 2028? Those familiar with the property speculate that cross-country could go in the track’s infield and parking areas.

Santa Anita Park racetrack.

The buzz had been that Galway wasn’t ideal in terms of weather, because Temecula is very hot in July, when the equestrian competition will be held. The word also was that a lot of money would have to be spent on the property to upgrade it to Olympic standards.
“We are extremely surprised that we were suddenly removed from consideration. We don’t understand how, based on the March 28 City Council’s vote of approval, that this could happen,” Galway stated on social media.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our community and the many organizations that rallied behind this effort. This moment is one chapter in a much larger vision. Our work to elevate equestrian sport and bring world-class events to Galway Downs continues.
“I’m deeply disappointed to learn that Galway Downs is reportedly no longer LA28’s proposed host site for equestrian events at the 2028 Olympic Games,” said U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Temecula).
“At this time, a satisfactory reason has yet to be offered.”

Galway Downs owner Ken Smith said, “When we started this process more than four years ago, we understood the equestrian venue selection for LA28 would be a highly competitive, evolving process. Being selected as the proposed equestrian venue put Galway Downs and Temecula Valley on the world stage. We’re very proud of that, and we’re just getting started. Galway Downs will continue to host elite national and international competitions as well as additional sporting events.”

Rob Burk, CEO of the U.S. Eventing Association, stated he is “incredibly disappointed by this news. While we will support our sport at the Olympics wherever it is run, the U.S. and equestrian sport seem to have lost an incredible opportunity to build on the amazing infrastructure already at Galway Downs and bolster its legacy into the future.

“Generations of equestrians would benefit from the support that would have been provided to the venue. The economic impact for California and our nation would have been extended long past 2028. It is unclear to me that any other site will benefit our sport, the nation, and the entire equestrian community as much.”

Eventing at Galway Downs. (Tina Fitch Photography)

Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington said, “This process has led to international recognition of something we’ve known for a long time – that the beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Country offers world-class venues and hospitality. We look forward to the many top-tier events coming to our region in the future.”

According to Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus, “Galway Downs has showcased its equestrian center in Temecula Valley as the superior venue capable of hosting all Olympic equestrian games. While the city is disheartened to learn of this abrupt change, particularly in light of LA28’s venue approval granted by the Los Angeles City Council just two weeks ago, we remain confident that Galway Downs will continue its legacy and mission uninterrupted as a vibrant, world-class Olympic-caliber equestrian presence in Temecula Valley.”

Opened in 1968 as the Rancho California Track and Training Center, the 242-acre Galway Downs is now home to equestrian competitions across multiple disciplines. Galway Downs has 242 acre that includes pastures and trails, with a one-mile track, 14 arenas and 400 stalls.

In the heart of Southern California wine country, the Temecula Valley  is a destination known for its beauty, award-winning wineries, luxury resorts, spas, golf courses, and outdoor recreation. An all-season tourism destination, the drive to Temecula Valley is less than two hours from every major metro area in Southern California including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs.