In a repeat of Los Angeles 1984, the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, is favoured to host the 2028 Olympics equestrian competitions, according to the local leaders.
Proximity is one of the biggest reasons that the Santa Anita Park — just 20 miles northeast of LA — has been selected over Galway Downs in Temecula.
It also boasts established options for spectator seating, hotels, and other infrastructure.
The Santa Anita Park currently has 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, as per a report in horse network.
It also has an veterinary clinic on-site with facilities like surgery, endoscopy, radiology, nuclear medicine, and laboratory service, according to its website, along with a cutting-edge MILE-PET scan machine.
Meanwhile, Galway Downs has been preparing for the LA 2028 with a dedicated page on their website.
Incidentally, the Galway Downs was voted on March 28 as the equestrian site for LA 2028 by the Los Angeles City Council. They, however, swiftly changed course in two weeks.
“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.”
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