Gamely (KY)

Biography

Recognized as a champion each year she competed, Gamely's enormous size — she stood 16.2 hands — prevented her from being ready to race as a 2-year-old. Bred by Claiborne Farm and owned by William Haggin Perry, Gamely made a major impact as a sophomore in 1967 and also thrived at ages 4 and 5.

Trained by Hall of Famer James Maloney, Gamely began her career in California and secured her first major victories in the summer of 1967 at Saratoga in the Test Stakes and Alabama Stakes. In the Test, Gamely set a seven-furlong track record. With a record of 4-3-3 from 14 starts and earnings of $117,617, Gamely was recognized as Champion 3-Year-Old Filly by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations.

At 4, Gamely became the first filly or mare to carry 131 pounds to victory in a California stake when she won the Vanity Handicap. She also won the Santa Margarita, Beldame, and Wilshire. She efeated males in the Inglewood Handicap and ran second to Dr. Fager in the Californian to be named Champion Older Female with a record of 7-3-2 from 14 starts and earnings of $282,742.

Gamely continued her excellence at age 5 in 1969. She won the Beldame and Wilshire for the second consecutive year and added victories in the Santa Monica and Diana handicaps. With a record of 5-3-1 from 13 starts and earnings of $174,602, Gamely was recognized as Champion Older Female by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations.

At the conclusion of her 5-year-old campaign, Gamely was retired with a record of 16-9-6 from 41 starts and earnings of $574,961. Gamely died at the age of 11 in 1975.

Achievements

Champion 3-Year-Old Filly (Thoroughbred Racing Associations) — 1967
Champion Older Female — 1968
Champion Older Female (Thoroughbred Racing Associations) — 1969