Temecula's Galway Downs Dropped As Olympic Venue, Drawing Backlash

TEMECULA, CA — An apparent move by planners for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles to scratch Galway Downs near Temecula as a prospective venue for equestrian events elicited a sharp response Friday from Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Temecula, who questioned the basis for the "arbitrary" action.

"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," Issa said. "At this time, a satisfactory reason has yet to be offered."

Details on the LA28 Board of Directors' decision to nix Galway Downs' opportunity to serve as a site were unavailable Friday afternoon. A request for comment was not immediately answered.

"This abrupt move appears arbitrary, unwarranted and our community deserves a clear explanation of the process that led to this change," Issa said. "It must be said that for several years, the state-of-the-art facility at Galway Downs, the city of Temecula and the Riverside County community have prepared to host these important events and showcase the very best that all three have to offer."

"Significant investments in time, material and preparation have already been dedicated to serving as the host site, and Galway Downs is the only equestrian venue in the greater Los Angeles region with the existing infrastructure to accommodate all equestrian events, including a full-length cross-country course," he said. "I look forward to productive and informative conversations and a more comprehensive, transparent process that provides fundamental fairness to Galway Downs and unifies our Southern California community."

Earlier this week, Issa joined other regional lawmakers in a letter to the Los Angeles City Council and the International Olympic Committee, expressing strong support for the council's March 28 decision to include Galway Downs in the Venues Plan for equestrian activities during the Summer Games.

Joining Issa were Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington, Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, R-Murrieta, state Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, and Temecula City Councilman Matt Rahn.

"Equine culture has especially deep roots in the Temecula Valley, and the Southern California community has prepared for years to amplify and sustain the momentum generated by the tourism, viewership and celebration that comes with hosting the Olympic Games," their letter stated.

Galway Downs boasts 242 acres of competition rings, pasture and trails, with a 1-mile round track, 14 arenas and 400 horse stalls. There are events held there year-round.

City News Service