CHRB Approves Galway Downs as Training Site

Galway Downs was approved as an official training facility by the California Horse Racing Board Jan. 15, providing a needed option to small training operations being forced to relocate from Fairplex Park.

Located in the southwestern Riverside County near Temecula, Galway Downs is best known for hosting eventing and jumping/showing competitions, but has been mentioned over the years as a potential site for Thoroughbred breaking and training. It includes a one-mile training track and stalls for up to 400 horses, the commission was told during its meeting at Santa Anita Park Thursday.

Galway Downs must work through several minor requirements, including the hiring of an official clocker, before it can commence operation as an auxiliary training facility under the CHRB's jurisdiction.

Joe Morris, president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, told the board that Feb. 4 is the projected opening date. He said the move has the backing of the full racing industry as a replacement for Fairplex.

The Los Angeles County Fair plains to convert its racing and sales facilities at Fairplex to non-racing purposes, with the closure of its track and stabling areas expected in the next couple of months. Many smaller operations would have faced relocating out of state or leaving the business without adequate facilities available in Southern California following the closure of Hollywood Park to training one year ago.

Rick Baedeker, executive director of the CHRB, said an inspection of Galway Downs found the facility to be in "really good shape."

"I think it's an impressive place," he said.

Alan Balch, representing the California Thoroughbred Trainers, called it a "superb facility for breaking and training racehorses."

Officials also noted that training at Galway would be far less expensive than at Fairplex. Morris said he expects Galway to house up to 300 horses in the coming months. The track will have a full-time maintenance crew, he said.