Pete Pedersen, a longtime steward in California who was given the racing industry's highest honor, has died at the age of 92.

Santa Anita racing officials said in a statement Wednesday that Pedersen died over the weekend due to complications suffered from a recent fall at his home.

Born in Washington state, Pedersen helped build the now-shuttered Longacres track that opened in 1933 near Seattle.

He worked for more than 60 years in various positions and presided over some of the industry's most prestigious events, including the inaugural Breeders' Cup in 1984 at Hollywood Park.

He was given the Eclipse Award of Merit in 2002. Three years later, he retired.

Pedersen is survived by his partner, Marlene Crain, and two sons from a prior marriage.