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Mary Ruyle has been named executive director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association, replacing Dave Hooper, who is leaving the position to become a steward during the upcoming Thoroughbred meet at Fair Grounds. Ruyle, the TTA’s business manager who joined the organization 25 years ago, will assume her new responsibilities on Nov. 1. . . . Jockey Francisco Diaz Lopez won his first career race Thursday at Thistledown, bringing General Lafayette from last to first in the seventh race, his seventh career mount. Lopez, 23, came to the United States in 2007 from his native Mexico, where he had ridden in Quarter Horse races.