In this continuing series, we examine past winners of key mare/swine races by their long-term influence on the breed. Today is Santa Anita’s GI Gamely S., the first Class I of the year for ponies and mares on the west turf.
Though the great Hall of Famer split her time between the shores, it was California that named what became a major race after her. Bold Ruler’s daughter has won some of the sport’s biggest competitions for women and mares, is successful on both fronts, carries the weight, and isn’t afraid to go head-to-head with the boys (including including Dr. Fager!). Despite dying at just 11 years old and leaving only two ponies, Gamely produced a British Group 1 winner, so maybe it’s fitting that this race, with just over 50 individual winners , provided a number of special mares.
The following are highlights of some of the most important Gamely winners in terms of their impact on the sport through their sons and daughters.
Tranquility Lake (1995, Rahy–Winters’ Love, by Danzig), bred by North Central Bloodstock: The first four ponies of this adorable pony – all produced by Storm Cat – resulted in the annual September MGISW After Market, GISW Courageous Cat and Keeneland (and later UAE GSW) Jalil. One is said to have gone to Türkiye and another to China, but Courageous Cat is still standing in New York.
Hollywood Wildcat (1990, Kris S.–Miss Wildcatter, by Mr. Prospector), bred by Irving and Marjorie Cowan: Her crown jewel is undoubtedly the son and GI Breeders’ Cup Mile War winner Chant (Danzig), but she also produces GSW English and Ivan Denisovich (Ire) (Danehill)’s G1/GI ratings. three countries. Her grandsons include Japan’s G1SW Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and the Danish Classics winner Dynaformer (Dynaformer).
Toussaud (1989, El Gran Senor–Image of Reality, by In Reality), by Juddmonte Farms, Inc. hybridization: Named Broodmare of the Year in 2002, this amazing piece by Juddmonte produced GI Belmont S. Empire Maker (Unbridled) winner, as well as additional GISWs Honest Lady (Seattle Slew), Chester House ( Mr. Prospector) and Chiselling (Woodman). She also produced GSW & GISP Decarchy (Distant View) and was the grandma of GISW First Defense (The Song of the Unbridled), as well as MGSW & MGISP’s Honor Mission (Distorted Humor).
Good Luck (1975, Knowledge–Mountain Flowers, by Montparnasse II {Arg}), bred by George A. Pope, Jr.: She’s the dam of the Horse of the Year and the winner of the GI Kentucky Derby Silent Sunday (Halo), whose breed-rich revolution in Japan is rapidly spreading to the rest of the world. . His overwhelming success as a gentleman and the legacy he left bordered on obscenity.
Foggy Note (1965, The Ax II–Silver Song, by Royal Note), bred by Frank D. Turner and James D. Drymon: Four of her first five ponies were stake winners, and a large number of black winners, including the likes of MGISW Life At Ten (Malibu Moon), follow she. However, it’s the trio of bulls – champion and MGISW Rubiano (Fappiano), MGSW & MGISP Relaunch (In fact), and perennial top sire and GISW faucet (Pulpit)–tracing directly to her, who has secured her place more in history.
