Galway Downs, SWR Officials Seek Explanation For LA28 Olympic Decision

TEMECULA, CA — Southwest Riverside County officials and Galway Downs owner Ken Smith want an explanation for the sudden drop of the Temecula equestrian venue from the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Smith and leaders say that they demonstrated how Galway Downs was Olympic event-ready, proving to LA28 that the location was suitable for all equestrian events.

"We're taking it away from you," Smith told the media this week, referring to what the LA28 committee said to him.

"We were approved, after going through a three-and-a-half-year process, and spent a lot of money to prepare for this," he said. "It's disappointing that they say, 'We're pulling the Olympics from you for a host of reasons.' Well, what's one?"

Galway Downs has "a lifelong legacy of Equestrian excellence," according to promotional material for the center. The 242-acre horse property opened in 1968 as the "Rancho California Track and Training Center." It is now home to some of the country’s top equestrian competitions across multiple disciplines.

Previously selected as a spot for the LA28 games, a meeting between Los Angeles Olympics organizers and the International Olympic Committee on Friday led to a rapid change of plans. At that meeting, organizers said they wanted a more "cohesive Olympic Village" atmosphere than Los Angeles was offering.

This week, the full list of game venues was shared via a news release by LA28.org, saying "...all corners of Los Angeles" were included.

Temecula's Galway Downs was notably absent, with Santa Anita Racetrack being named as the venue for Equestrian instead.

Venues in Orange County for surfing, due to "the most consistent waves for the competition in California," according to Mayor Karen Bass, and volleyball at the Honda Center arena in Anaheim, due to its "top-notch amenities and prime spectator seating," remain on the list (See the complete venue list below).

Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus shared his thoughts on the removal of Galway.

“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.”

Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington said that Galway Downs was "event-ready." Galway Downs is one of the few capable of hosting all three equestrian events.

The current choice, the Santa Anita Racetrack facility, did host equestrian events for the 1984 Olympic Games. However, not all events were able to be held there. Still, the Federal Equestrian International President Ingmar De Vos said in a news release that Santa Anita Park will be a "spectacular venue" for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Washington said he's looking forward to what the future holds for the Temecula area's equine community visitors.

“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," Washington said. "We look forward to the many top-tier events coming to our region in the future.”

Smith shared his thoughts on what likely happened with CBS News, saying:

"I think this was a unique situation where someone came to the table late in the game and made a deal. There's no question I'm disappointed and I'm frustrated."

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Game Venues Include:

• 3x3 Basketball - Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area
• Baseball - Dodger Stadium
• Boxing in the Peacock Theater - Downtown Los Angeles (preliminaries), Arena - Crypto.com Arena, Downtown Los Angeles (finals)
• Artistic Gymnastics and Trampoline - Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles.
• Cycling Road - Venice Beach (starting point)
• Marathon- Venice Beach (starting point)
• Modern Pentathlon - Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area
• Rhythmic Gymnastics - USC Sports Center
• Squash - Universal Studios Lot
• Triathlon -Venice Beach

Carson - 2028 Olympic Venue:

• Archery - Dignity Health Sports Park Stadium

Long Beach – 2028 Olympic Venues:

• Beach Volleyball - Alamitos Beach
• Coastal Rowing - the Waterfront
• Target Shooting - Long Beach Convention Center
• Sport Climbing - Long Beach Convention Center Lot

Anaheim, Orange County - 2028 Olympic Venue

• Volleyball - Honda Arena

Arcadia - 2028 Olympic Venue

• Equestrian - all events- Santa Anita Park

Pomona - 2028 Olympic Venue

• Cricket - Pomona Fairgrounds

San Clemente, Orange County - 2028 Olympic Venue

• Surfing - Trestles Beach

South El Monte - 2028 Olympic Venue

• Shotgun Shooting - The Shotgun Center

For more information, visit www.LA8.org.