Muckleshoot Indian Tribe purchases Emerald Downs

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has reached agreement in principle with Northwest Racing Associates to acquire Emerald Downs.

November 13, 2014 2:03 pm
Jim and Mona Hour's 5-year-old Washington-bred gelding Stryker Phd was named Horse of the Meeting
Jim and Mona Hour's 5-year-old Washington-bred gelding Stryker Phd was named Horse of the Meeting

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has reached agreement in principle with Northwest Racing Associates to acquire Emerald Downs, the Northwest’s premier thoroughbred racing facility. When the transaction closes in the next 60 – 90 days the Tribe will assume full ownership and operational control of the race track facilities.

This transaction is the culmination of the Muckleshoot Tribe’s support of thoroughbred racing in Washington State over many years, including the following events:

  • The tribe’s original gaming compact with Washington State in 1993 was the first in Washington to include Off-Track Betting.

  • Six years prior to purchasing the Emerald Downs property the Tribe acquired the Playfair track in Spokane, although the transaction was never completed.

  • The tribe has been Emerald Downs landlord since 2002 when it acquired the 157 acre property on which Emerald Downs sits.

  • In 2004 the tribe entered into an arrangement with Emerald Downs to enhance daily purses in an effort to stimulate the industry. Since that initial arrangement the tribe has invested more than $11 million in purse enhancements at Emerald Downs.

“The Tribe’s long-standing support of the state’s thoroughbred racing industry continues with this transaction”, said Muckleshoot Tribal Council Chair Virginia Cross. “It is the Tribe’s goal to keep the thoroughbred horseracing industry as a viable part of our state’s economy. Emerald Downs sits in the center of the tribe’s historical homeland and this transaction makes it an important part of our economic development program.”

After the transaction closes the tribe will undertake an evaluation of steps to strengthen the performance of Emerald Downs. Notwithstanding a number of legislatively authorized enhancements over the years, and the tremendous efforts of Northwest Racing Associates’ President Ron Crockett and his partners, thoroughbred horse racing has struggled in an increasingly difficult environment both here in Washington State and nationally.

“My goal has always been to preserve this important industry”, said Crockett. “I have accomplished that goal and this is a now good time for the tribe to step in and bring Emerald Downs to the next level.”

Ron Crockett has agreed to serve as a consultant to the tribe to help with the transition to new ownership and the current management team will remain in place.