Lawmakers from Riverside County Tuesday sent a unified message to the Los Angeles City Council and the International Olympic Committee, expressing strong support for the council's recent decision to include Galway Downs near Temecula as a venue for equestrian events during the 2028 Summer Games.
"In every way, this international destination for the disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping is the ideal location for the equine activities," according to a letter signed by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Temecula, 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.
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"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 stated. "Temecula, Riverside County and the region have also made the community commitment and long-term investment in equestrian sports that will leave a lasting legacy that honors the Olympic movement."
The correspondence was in response to the Los Angeles City Council's unanimous vote on March 28 adding Galway Downs to the Venues Plan for equine contests scheduled during the L.A. Games., as well as the jointly held Paralympic Games. The letter was directed specifically to Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Los Angeles Paralympic Organizing Committee Chairman Casey Wasserman.
"The choice of Temecula presents unique advantages in that it is the only equestrian venue in the greater Los Angeles region with the existing infrastructure to accommodate all equestrian disciplines, including a full- length cross-country course," the letter said. "The leadership at Galway Downs and this region are ready to showcase Temecula Valley to the world through these events, growing the Olympic experience and building upon the Los Angeles base."
The venue 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.
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