April 15, 2025 
In a throwback to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Games, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, has once again been confirmed as the host venue for the 2028 Olympic equestrian competition, the FEI said on Tuesday.
“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”
But the decision is not without controversy. As an established location for major Thoroughbred racing events—including the prestigious Breeders’ Cup, which it’s hosted 11 times—historic Santa Anita Park is located just 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Proximity is just one reason it’s been reported that the venue has been selected over the previously proposed Galway Downs in Temecula (the latter facility is more than 93 miles from the city), along with its well established options for spectator seating for more than 75,000 people, hotels, and other infrastructure.
At present, Santa Anita Park houses some 2,000 stalls across 61 barns, ample space to accommodate the 200 horses expected to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games across all disciplines, and the 78 that will qualify for the Para-Olympic Games. It also contains an on-site equine veterinary clinic with services including surgery, endoscopy, radiology, nuclear medicine, and laboratory service, according to its website, along with a cutting-edge MILE-PET scan machine.
Still, that’s only one-half of the equation.
On the other side of the tug-of-war Galway Downs has long been preparing to host the 2028 Games, even featuring a dedicated page on their website. Local leaders have cited the region’s deep equestrian roots and existing infrastructure as top reasons the venue should be selected to host dressage, show jumping, and eventing at the 2028 Games.
Eventing, in particular, is well-suited for Galway Downs, which already includes a 4-mile CCI4*-L course that could easily by updated for 5* Olympic eventing. During the 1984 Olympic Games, the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in San Diego County, 112 miles away, hosted eventing’s cross-country phase. According to IOC rules, all equestrian events should to be held in a single location for logistical efficiency.
On March 28, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to approve Galway Downs as the equestrian site on the 2028 Olympic Venues Plan. Two weeks later, they swiftly changed course, offering little notice or reasoning, according to Riverside County leaders.
“I’m deeply disappointed to learn that Galway Downs in Temecula is reportedly no longer LA28’s proposed host site for equestrian events at the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games. This abrupt move appears arbitrary, unwarranted, and our community deserves a clear explanation of the process that led to this change. At this time, a satisfactory reason has yet to be offered,” U.S. Congressmen Darrell Issa wrote in a statement on his website.
“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.”
Situated on 242-acres, Galway Downs houses 500+ permanent stalls (again, more than enough to accommodate the Olympic horses), along with a race track, polo field, 13 training and competition arenas, and miles of trails. It was hoped, according to an initial letter drafted by Congressman Issa and others, that the infrastructure created by LA2028 would also benefit the local community long-term.
“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,” the letter read.
At press time, Olympic Organizers had not responded to a request for comment.
This story has been updated to include statements from the FEI.
