For the Reporter

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and the King County Council recognized businessman Ron Crockett on Monday for saving Thoroughbred racing in Western Washington and for his generous philanthropy over the years.

The county recognized:

After numerous successful business ventures, Crockett became known as the man who saved the state’s Thoroughbred racing industry and brought live horse racing back to Western Washington by personally investing more than $10 million and building Emerald Downs in Auburn, which saved thousands of jobs along the way.

In addition to saving racing, Crockett has been a generous supporter of numerous organizations, including the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, and was honored with the 1994 Foster School of Business Leadership Award, 1997 UW Alumni Association Recognition Award, 2013 Paul Allen Sports Citizen Award, and most recently, the 2016 UW College of Engineering Distinguished Service Award.

“Ron Crockett is an example of hard work and generosity,” von Reichbauer said. “Ron has never forgotten where he came from or the help that he received to get there. In turn, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals with his leadership, vision and dedication, his philanthropic work in the community and his efforts to keep horse racing viable and thriving in Washington state.”

Crockett stepped aside as track president after 19 years in 2014.

Emerald Downs is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.