Galway Downs Loses Allocation as 2028 LA. Olympic Equestrian Venue

Dressage

U.S.A.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Galway Downs in Temecula, CA, has lost its allocation of official equestrian venue for the 2028 L.A. Olympics.

Galway Downs was informed this week it won’t host equestrian events.

Galway Downs Loses Olympic Allocation

The L.A. Times wrote, "the 242-acre site was approved by a Los Angeles City Council vote last month to host the 2028 Olympic equestrian competition. But after getting its venue master plan approved Wednesday by the International Olympic Committee executive board, LA28, the private committee responsible for organizing and executing the Games, informed Galway Downs that the equestrian competition will head elsewhere."

Disappointment

Galway Downs owner Ken Smith issued a press statement reflecting his disappointment.

"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. 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."

Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus said, “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.”

Change of Venue

LA28’s full venue plan has not been publicly announced.

Equestrian initially was slated to take place at a temporary facility built in the Sepulveda Basin, but the plan shifted toward Galway Downs.

When Galway Downs. was announced as venue concerns were raised about the summer heat, which might impact the welfare of the horse, as well as a lack of presence of hotels in the area for an easy commute.

Insiders tip the San Diego based Del Mar showgrounds, where the climate is more mild, or the Santa Anita race track as alternative options for the LA Olympics.