The sales pavilion at Lone Star Park has been renamed in honor of retiring Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) executive director Mary Ruyle, the group announced Friday afternoon.
Ruyle has a long history with the association since she began as a bookkeeper in 1988 and moved her way up the ranks until she ultimately became the executive director. Her 36-year tenure with the TTA made her the longest-employed member in the history of the association.
“There is not enough we can do to show Mary how much the Texas thoroughbred industry appreciates her years of hard work and dedication,” said Phil Adams, the TTA board member who coordinated the renaming effort.
After Fasig-Tipton withdrew from Texas in 2015, Ruyle was instrumental in establishing the TTA Sales division and its two annual auctions. She also helped establish programs like The Paddock Foundation for retired racehorses and the Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund for scholarships as well as the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes series and special races for TTA sale graduates. The first event to be held in the newly renamed pavilion will be The Texas Thoroughbred Association Two-Year-Old In Training Sale Apr. 2.
“I was surprised and touched by this gesture from the board of directors,” said Ruyle. “I love the sales, for me it is old home week where I get to see so many of the people that make horse racing special.”
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