Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, has officially been named the venue for the equestrian events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), marking a return to the historic site which previously hosted Olympic equestrian sport during the 1984 Games.

Located just northeast of central Los Angeles, Santa Anita Park is one of the most iconic racetracks in the United States. Renowned for its picturesque setting at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and its storied racing history—including hosting multiple Breeders’ Cups and the legendary Seabiscuit’s final win in 1940—the venue is now set to become the global stage for Olympic dressage, eventing, and show jumping.

“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” said Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) President Ingmar De Vos. “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.”

IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell echoed that sentiment, saying, “I would like to thank the FEI on behalf of the IOC for the active engagement in all the discussions regarding the venue. We have created a strong partnership with the Organising Committee and the city of Los Angeles, which enjoys the full support of the local equestrian community.”

The announcement has also been welcomed by the United States’ governing body for equestrian sport. Bill Moroney, CEO of US Equestrian, said: “We have the utmost confidence in the LA28 Organizing Committee, and we anticipate exceptional equestrian sport will take place at this special legacy venue from the 1984 Olympic Games. We are also extremely pleased that the IOC has confirmed the athlete quotas across the disciplines for 2028 and they remain unchanged from 2024.”

Santa Anita Park spans 130 hectares (320 acres) and features a grandstand 340 metres (1,100 feet) long with seating for 26,000 spectators. The infield area, complete with picnic tables and mature trees, can accommodate a crowd of up to 50,000. The site includes 61 barns, capable of housing more than 2,000 horses, and boasts an on-site veterinary clinic. The venue is no stranger to FEI-level sport either, hosting a CSI3* event and a FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier (CSI5*-W), with the next edition scheduled for November.

While the announcement confirms Santa Anita as the main venue for Olympic equestrian disciplines, the location for Para Equestrian events has yet to be finalised. The venue will be announced in due course, pending review and approval by the International Paralympic Committee’s Governing Board.

With its blend of historic significance, world-class facilities, and a proven track record in hosting elite equestrian and racing events, Santa Anita Park promises a memorable and dynamic backdrop for equestrian sport at the LA28 Olympic Games.

Feature image: View of the cross country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. © FEI/Benjamin Clark