A strapping bay adorned with a large star and a snip, Gamely was a daughter of Bold Ruler bred by Claiborne. She raced in the colors of friend and long-time associate William Haggin Perry as part of an annual partnership agreement. Gamely’s large stature kept her away from the races at two, but the career that followed proved that good things come to those who wait.
Gamely came into hand quickly at three in California under the watchful eye of trainer James Maloney. She won the Princess S. and was second in two additional stakes in the spring at Hollywood Park. Sent East to Saratoga, Gamely set a stakes record in a division of the seven-furlong Test S., and then proved the skeptics who questioned her stamina wrong when she equaled the stakes record in the historic Alabama S. at 1 1/4 miles. She was voted Champion 3-year-old filly by the TRA handicappers.
Gamely was even better at four. She rattled off victories early in the season in the Santa Maria H. and the Santa Margarita H., both at Santa Anita. Moving crosstown to Hollywood Park, she finished second to the great Dr. Fager in the Californian S., defeated males in the Inglewood H., and won the Vanity H. carrying a record 131 pounds. Returning to New York, she finished first in the Diana H., but was disqualified, then exacted her revenge winning the Beldame H. in her next start. At the end of the season, she was unanimous choice for Champion Older Mare.
Gamely came back at five to win the Beldame H. again and the Diana H. outright. She retired as the leading earner for her sire with a bankroll of $574,961. Gamely produced two foals and only one to race, Dewhurst S.-G1 winner Cellini.